Saturday, October 1st 2011
Sparks Marina
8:00 AM- Day Of Registration(not necessary for those pre-registered)
9:00 AM-Pre-Walk Events 11:00 AM-Walk 12:00 PM-B-B-Q Lunch
We strongly encourage you to register online for the event here, but you can also download the brochure, fill out the registration panel & mail it in with your registration fees here.
About the Walk: The Buddy Walk® was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. The Buddy Walk has grown from 17 walks in 1995 to nearly 300 walks planned for 2011 worldwide. In 2010, more than $11.2 million was raised nationwide to benefit local programs and services, as well as the national advocacy and public awareness initiatives of NDSS that benefit all individuals with Down syndrome.
Locally: The 1st
DSNNN Buddy Walk took place September 2005 at Idlewild Park. That day
about 200 walkers participated. This year nearly 1,000 walkers are
expected; we are now holding the event at the Sparks Marina to
accommodate our growth. Proceeds from the walk will support the DSNNN in
the following programs: Family Support Group, Lending Library, Family
Gatherings, First Call, Parent-to-Parent Training, & Medical
Outreach.These programs benefit Northern Nevada families by promoting
full inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome, and providing
education, awareness and advocacy in the community.
How it Works:
Each year teams form that consist of family members & friends
of an individual with Down syndrome. You can create a team, or join an
existing team that will walk around the Sparks Marina and participate in
the activities planned for the day. If you cannot be at the walk but would still like to support an individual you can also donate to their team.
The teams are challenged to raise the most
money and win prizes while bringing awareness to the community and
having fun! Prizes are awarded in the following categories:
- Each team to raise $2,500.00 or more will be awarded an XBOX Kinect
- Top fundraising teams in each of the following age groups (based on the individual with Down syndrome) will win fabulous prizes!
- 0-3 years - 4-8 years - 9-14 years - 15+ years
1st & 2nd place prizes will also be given to
- Most Creative Theme/Costume
- Team with Most Walkers
- Team with Best Banner