A much loved highlight on the calendar for families of Down syndrome children is turning five this month.
The Auckland Down Syndrome Association is holding its fifth annual Buddy Walk on Sunday, March 21 in Mt Eden's Tahaki Reserve.
It's a significant day for the Down syndrome community. Down syndrome is also
called Trisomy 21 and occurs when a person has a third and extra 21st chromosome.
The month and day were chosen to correspond with Trisomy and 21. Registration starts at 9am and the actual walk starts at 10am.
The Buddy Walk was developed in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society of America to bring together individuals concerned with Down syndrome.
Buddy Walk is an opportunity to reach out to friends, family and co-workers to promote awareness and inclusion for people with Down syndrome, while trying to raise money.
It is a short walk in which anyone can participate without special training. Over the past fourteen years, the Buddy Walk programme has grown from 17 walks to more than 280 in 2009 across the country and around the world.
The goal of Buddy Walk is to celebrate individuals and families living with Down syndrome. 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, go and join the fun.
The Auckland Down Syndrome Association Buddy Walk, Sunday, March 21, Tahaki Reserve, 250 Mt Eden Rd, Mt Eden.
For more info, ph Christel van Baalen on 636 0351 or 021 136 2537 or email: clo@adsa.org.nz
For more info about the Buddy Walk, see: www.buddywalknz.org
