On Your Mark, Get Set, Grab a Buddy and Walk

The Down Syndrome Association of the Mid-South (DSAM) will host its seventh annual Buddy Walk on Sunday, Oct. 3. The walk helps promote the awareness and acceptance of people with Down syndrome.

MEMPHIS, TN (PRWEB) August 16, 2004 -- Mid-Southerners will gather for an afternoon of fun to help promote the awareness and acceptance of people with Down syndrome at the seventh annual Buddy Walk on Oct. 3.

The Buddy Walk, organized by the Down Syndrome Association of the Mid-South (DSAM) and the National Down Syndrome Society, is one of more than 200 walks across the globe. Local organizers are expecting over 2,000 participants for this years event.

Each year, many individuals and groups come out to show their support at the Mid-South Buddy Walk. This year, among the local guests will be State Representative Tre Hargett, State Senator Mark Norris, and Shelby County Mayor A.C. Wharton, who will read the proclamation declaring October National Down Syndrome Awareness month. Entertainment for the afternoons festivities will be provided by the Yo!Memphis Singers and the Toasted Opus band. Emcees for the afternoon of fun will be WRVRs Debby Hall and News Channel 3s Jim Jaggers.

The one-mile Buddy Walk will be held at the Memphis Botanic Garden, Memphis own horticulture retreat. Registration will begin at 12:30 p.m. with the opening ceremonies commencing at 1:15 p.m. The walk will kick-off at 2:00 p.m.

Registration fees are $12 per adult and $6 per child (12 and under and individuals with Down syndrome). This fee includes a Buddy Walk T-shirt, lunch, entertainment, and door prize entry privileges. Pre-walk packet and shirt pickup will be on Oct. 1 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Dillards - Oak Court Mall, top north entrance.

The Presenting Sponsor for this years walk is International Paper. Supporting Sponsors include Sedgwick CMS, AutoZone, Thomas & Betts, and the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Down Syndrome Association of the Mid-South is about providing a brighter future for individuals with Down syndrome. Its also about ensuring that the next parents in the Memphis area who have a child with Down syndrome have access to an active, vibrant, and caring organization that provides information, services, and programs to support them and meet their needs.

The Buddy Walk is the defining event sponsored by the Down Syndrome Association of the Mid-South," said Jawanda Mast, event chair and parent of a daughter with Down syndrome. It is not just a one-day event but our way of inviting the community to join us in embracing individuals with Down syndrome. It is fun, family-friendly and it just makes you feel good!"

For more information, contact Jawanda Mast at 901-381-8695 or at BuddyWalk@dsamemphis.org.

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