CMDSS Buddy Walk is a Clinton first
Jack Collins and Maria Miller (Maria’s brother is Timothy Miller who has Down syndrome. She is a Clinton and MC grad and current OT student at UMMC. She will be interning at the CMDSS Buddy Center at the Capstone student in the spring semester.
For the first time in its 23-year history, the Central Mississippi Down Syndrome Society (CMDSS) will hold its Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome at the Mississippi College football stadium in Clinton.
Set for Saturday, Oct. 4, the CMDSS Buddy Walk is an annual fundraising event which celebrates individuals with Down syndrome and their families and promotes community awareness.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have Mississippi College open its campus to host the CMDSS Buddy Walk,” said CMDSS Executive Director Judy Qualls. “It’s more than just a walk. It’s a vibrant celebration of community, inclusion, and our ‘buddies’ with Down syndrome.
Tremilya Bracey giving the opening prayer with Judy Qualls, CMDSS Executive Director looking on
“We can’t wait to fill the air with laughter, fun, games, music and the unmistakable spirit that only this event brings.”
The Buddy Walk, with its family festival atmosphere, welcomes the public. Opening ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. In addition to the walk that includes a DJ, dancing, games, face painting, “stop drop and roll” fire safety exercises and basketball, there will be fun with Mississippi College student athletes.”
Look forward to meeting dozens of players from MC’s softball, baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, women’s golf and men’s and women’s track teams. That’s in addition to the MC cheer and dance teams.
“Mississippi College Athletics is excited to host this year’s Buddy Walk,” said Susan Musselwhite, Mississippi College associate athletic director. “Service to others is a part of our Christian mission, and this will be such a great opportunity for our athletes, students and staff to engage with members of our community.
Jack Collins, Timothy Miller and Tyler Archambault
“It’s going to be a fun and rewarding day for us all!” Musselwhite said.
CMDSS supports more than 300 area families who have a loved one with Down syndrome, and there is a strong Clinton connection of supporters. Performers include the Buddy Walk Dance Team that features buddies from the area including Clinton residents Tyler Archambault and Timothy Miller. A Color Guard will be led by two Clinton Troop 88 Boy Scouts with Down syndrome, Jack Collins and Matthew Weiss.
There are a limited number of shirts available for walk-up registration. Donations are greatly encouraged, with all funds raised supporting CMDSS programs for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Jack Collins, Tyler Archambault, Jon Michael Pardue, Timothy Miller and Matthew Weiss (seated)
That includes the CMDSS Buddy Center in Ridgeland, which provides free educational and social classes and programs ranging from literacy, etiquette, art, civics, saving money, dance, yoga, karate, Mom’s and Dad’s nights out, new parent dinners with educational speakers, family game nights and much more.
CMDSS also offers an annual Down syndrome awareness calendar that showcases area children and adults with Down syndrome, special education teacher grants, an award-winning New Parent Guide, and a Transition Guide to Adulthood. CMDSS has its own coffee brand, Buddy Blend, which is weighed, packaged and labeled by local adults with Down syndrome and is sold at the Buddy Center store and various other pop-up outlets.
Jean and Chuck Weiss of Clinton have been involved with CMDSS since its inception.
Timothy Miller under balloon arch
“When our son Matthew was born with Down syndrome 24 years ago, there was little information or local support,” Jean Weiss said.
“Helping to start CMDSS in 2003 as a founding board member and staying involved has been truly life-changing for our family through the social and emotional connections and friendships we have made, and the direct impact on Matthew’s growth and well-being.”
Sponsorships and donations are encouraged and welcome. Details on the CMDSS Buddy Walk can be found at www.cmdss.org, on the Central Mississippi Down Syndrome Society Facebook page, or by contacting Judy Qualls at info@cmdss.org or 601-955-3553.
The National Down Syndrome Society started the Buddy Walk in 1995, and more than 250 annual Buddy Walks are now held around the country and world.
