Down
Syndrome Indiana Encourages Participants to Take Strides towards Acceptance and
Inclusion for
People with Down syndrome.
By Guest Blogger: Jessica Hadsell, DSI Event Coordinator
Indianapolis, IN - The 17th
Annual Buddy Walk® in Indianapolis will take place in Celebration Plaza of
White River State Park on Saturday, October 11th. More than 5,000 people are expected to attend
the event, which is one of over 250 Walks across the country this fall to raise
awareness and funds for programs that benefit people with Down syndrome and
their families.
The
National Buddy Walk® Program is supported by Emmy-Award Winning Imagination
Movers, who lend their talent by appearing in the new national public service
announcement. "Buddy Walks are fantastic events where smiles are
shared, hugs are free, games are played and most importantly - footsteps are
heard as we all walk together to support people with Down
syndrome," said Imagination Mover Scott Durbin.
The
National Buddy Walk® Program welcomes participants of all ages and
abilities. The goals of the program are to promote acceptance and inclusion of
people with Down syndrome and to positively influence local and national policy
and practice. Last year alone, Buddy Walk® events raised more than $12.1
million to benefit national advocacy initiatives, as well as local programs and
services. All funds raised through the National Buddy Walk® Program
support both local and national programs.
The
Buddy Walk® in Indianapolis will feature many family-friendly festivities
in the park beginning at 9:00am; the walk begins at noon. Participants will
enjoy music and interactive entertainment featuring the talents of local
families, delicious food, an Information Expo sponsored by WestPoint Financial
Group, and enough inspiration to last the entire year! To learn more, visit www.dsindiana.org/buddyWalk.php or
contact Down Syndrome Indiana at (317)925-7617.
About Down Syndrome Indiana
Down Syndrome Indiana is a not-for-profit organization
serving the needs of individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with Down syndrome, their
mission is to serve as a conduit of information, support and advocacy for
individuals with Down syndrome and their families, which promotes growth and
inclusion in the community. The programs and services provided by Down Syndrome
Indiana are supported by individual and corporate donations combined with
annual fund raisers and special events.
About NDSS
The National Down Syndrome
Society is a nonprofit organization representing the more than 400,000
Americans with Down syndrome. The mission of NDSS is to be the national
advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.
The National Down Syndrome Society envisions a world in which all people with
Down syndrome have the opportunity enhance their quality of life, realize their
life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming community. To learn more about NDSS, visit www.ndss.org.
Contact
To learn more about the Buddy Walk® in Indianapolis, please
contact:
Jessica Hadsell, Event Coordinator
708 E. Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Office: (317) 925-7617
Fax: (317) 925-7619
