Buddy Walk to be held in Clinton, registration now open

Special to The Clinton Courier    

Robinson Hale football field at Mississippi Christian University will, for the second year in a row, host the Central Mississippi Down Syndrome Society (CMDSS) 24th annual CMDSS Buddy Walk® on Saturday, October 3.

Families, friends, businesses, schools and community members are encouraged to come together for the annual celebration of individuals with Down syndrome and the opportunity to promote awareness, acceptance and inclusion. More than 1,000 participants are expected to attend this year’s event, forming teams in honor of their “buddies” and celebrating the many ways individuals with Down syndrome enrich their communities.

The event, with a theme of “Put me in coach, I’m ready to play!” will include the Buddy Walk along with games, lunch and entertainment, making it a fun-filled day for the entire family. Participants are encouraged to create or join a Buddy Walk team and invite family, friends, coworkers and community members to participate alongside them.

The Buddy Walk® was created by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 as a way to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October while promoting acceptance and inclusion. Today, Buddy Walk events are held throughout the country and around the world.

Funds raised through the CMDSS Buddy Walk help support the Central Mississippi Down Syndrome Society’s mission of providing support, education and advocacy for people with Down syndrome, their families and communities across Central Mississippi. CMDSS works to create a community where individuals with Down syndrome have limitless opportunities and the ability to pursue their dreams.

Everyone, whether they have participated in the Buddy Walk for years or this will be their first time, is welcome to join the celebration. Community members can participate by registering for the walk, creating a team, joining an existing team, volunteering or simply spreading the word.

Registration and additional information are available at cmdss.org/buddy-walk/.

For questions or additional information, contact CMDSS at 601-385-3696 or info@cmdss.org. The CMDSS team hopes the Clinton community will join them on October 3 to comes together to celebrate the buddies and help build a more accepting and inclusive Mississippi.