What is a Buddy Walk?

Are you going to your local Buddy walk?  We will be attending our walk on October 8th.  Hope to see you there!

The Buddy Walk^® was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Today, the Buddy Walk program is supported nationally by NDSS and organized at the local level by parent support groups, schools and other organizations and individuals.

Over the past sixteen years, the Buddy Walk program has grown from 17 walks to nearly 300 expected in 2011 across the country and around the world. Last year alone, 285,000 people participated in a Buddy Walk! They raised more than $11.2 million to benefit local programs and services as well as the national advocacy initiatives that benefit all individuals with Down syndrome.

The Buddy Walk is a one-mile walk in which anyone can participate without special training. It is an inspirational and educational 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 a Buddy Walk in your local community!

Buddy Walk^® Facts

• The Buddy Walk was established by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October.
• The Buddy Walk has three primary goals:
  • To promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome;
  • To raise funds for local programs and services and national advocacy efforts; and
  • To enhance the position of the Down syndrome community, enabling us to positively influence local and national policy and practice.
• The Buddy Walk has grown from 17 to more than 250 in 2010 across the country and around the world.
• At least 285,000 people are expected to participate in more than 275 Buddy Walk events this year.
• Since 1995, more than 2,750,000 people have participated in the Buddy Walk program.
• Last year alone, the Buddy Walk raised more than $11.2 million to benefit local programs and services, as well as national and advocacy initiatives.
• The Buddy Walk program is supported at the national level by the National Down Syndrome Society. Local Buddy Walk events are organized by NDSS Affiliates, parent support groups, schools, and other interested organizations and individuals.
• Most Buddy Walk events take place from September through November to recognize Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October.
• Anyone who wants to support acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome can participate in the Buddy Walk.
• The Buddy Walk name, logo and program are trademark properties of the National Down Syndrome Society, and can only be used with the express written consent of NDSS.

To find a local Buddy Walk in your community, visit the "Find a Walk" section of http://www.buddywalk.org.