Join us on Sunday, September 25 for a day of family fun and festivities celebrating the abilities and accomplishments of Mainers with Down syndrome!  This is Maine Down Syndrome Network's 11th annual walk, with locations at Payson Park in Portland and at Capitol Park in Augusta.  Both locations will feature games, family friendly entertainment, food and fun!  We will also be raffling off many great prizes donated by generous members of our community, and selling Down syndrome awareness items (Unfortunately, we won't be able to accept credit/debit cards for these, so bring your checkbooks or cash!).  Registration and activities will begin at 11:30, Welcome remarks, and presentation of our Buddy Award at 12:30, and the walk will step off at 1pm.  After the walk, lunch will be served and entertainment will continue through the afternoon.

Registration is $10/Adult, $5/Child, and Free for those with Down syndrome.  All who pre-register will receive a t-shirt and lunch, including a gluten free option.  Please note that if you choose to register the day of the walk, we can not guarantee a t-shirt, and won't be able to provide the gluten free option for lunch.

We are excited to offer the option of organizing and fundraising as teams this year!  A team is made up of 2 or more members who register and fundraise at least $250 by September 1.  Our top 5 fundraising teams will be rewarded by receiving t-shirts with their team name printed across the back shoulders, as well as a framed group photo taken at the walk.  Our top fundraising team will receive the t-shirts, the photo, special recognition on our website and our other communications, and more!  Organize a team and start today!

 

 

The Buddy Walk® was created 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 2009, more than $9.5 million was raised nationwide to benefit local programs and services, as well as the national advocacy initiatives of NDSS that benefit all individuals with Down syndrome.