The Panhandle Down Syndrome Guild’s 14th Annual Buddy Walk

The Panhandle Down Syndrome Guild (PDSG) will host its 14^th annual Buddy Walk on Saturday, October 3, 2015. The event takes place at Sam Houston Park in Amarillo.  Registration begins at 9:00 am.  It is a family event for all ages.  Families come from all around the Panhandle and from New Mexico to join the walk.

The Buddy Walk is part of the largest national walk in the country. The Panhandle’s Buddy Walk is in the top 20% based on attendance. Last year, the Panhandle Down Syndrome Guild Annual Buddy Walk had over 2,500 people. There were 626 volunteers and a great time was had by all!

The Buddy Walk program was started in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society. It helps to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.  It celebrates people with Down syndrome and the people who help them have a better life. Buddy Walks are used to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October.

The Buddy Walk started with 17 walks in 1995. It has now grown to more than 300 walks across the country and around the world. More than 305,000 people have been involved. The walks have helped raise $12.1 million dollars for education, Down syndrome research, and advocacy.

The Panhandle Down Syndrome Guild promotes a better understanding of the medical and developmental needs of people with Down syndrome. PDSG and the National Down Syndrome Congress help improve the lives of people with Down syndrome living in the Panhandle. PDSG also helps mentor families affected by Down syndrome. It raises public awareness and provides education.

For further information, contact the Panhandle Down Syndrome Guild, Vicki Cabrera at P.O. Box 20783 Amarillo, TX 79114 or [email protected].  Ready to register?  Here’s the link to the registration form for the Buddy Walk:  http://www.panhandledsg.net/2014RegForm.pdf.  Search for other events happening in our region.