Auckland Down Syndrome Association's 4th Annual Buddy Walk

On Sunday, 22 March 2009, hundreds of people will gather to participate in Auckland Down Syndrome Association’s 4th annual Buddy Walk.

Buddy Walk is an event that promotes acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. It was established in 1995 in the USA by the National Down Syndrome Society to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October. ADSA’s previous three Buddy Walks have been in October but because of the weather and World Down Syndrome Day, which is on 21 March, it was decided to move the walk to March.

Over the past fourteen years, the Buddy Walk® program has grown from 17 walks to more than 280 expected in 2009 across the USA and around the world. Last year alone, 250,000 people participated in a Buddy Walk®! They raised $10.5 million to benefit national education, research and advocacy initiatives, as well as local programs.

Funds raised on the day will enable the Auckland Down Syndrome Association to offer services that support and enhance the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
ADSA’s Buddy Walk® is a 3.5 km walk in which anyone can participate without special training. Participants can register for the walk by downloading a registration form at www.buddywalknz.org and the first 1000 participants will receive a goody bag. Alternatively registration will be open from 9.00am, with the walk commencing at 10.00am.

Buddy Walk will be followed by a Fun Fair and entertainment (free for registered walkers). It will include celebrities, bungee run, human fly, gladiators, face painters, clowns, DJ, live music, food stalls, raffles, great prizes and much much more. There will be a BBQ, cake stall and merchandise for sale.

Buddy Walk has two primary goals for the Association:
--It promotes acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome in our community by celebrating and encouraging their contribution to our lives through an event that is fun, involves the community and is fully inclusive.
--Secondly, it acts as a fundraiser so that we can provide support and information and promote people with Down syndrome’s rights within our community.
It is a wonderful, heart-warming event that celebrates the many abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome. Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does, or just want to show your support, come and join us!

For more information please contact Christel van Baalen, Community Liaison Officer and Buddy Walk organizer on 636 0351 or 021 1362537, or email clo@adsa.org.nz

Event listed by Christel

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