15th Annual Down Syndrome Buddy Walk

Sunday was the 15th Annual Down Syndrome Buddy Walk, this year held at a new more accessible area. Otsiningo Park Binghamton. What an awesome day! I arrived at 10:15 am to rig the audio for the walk and found three main areas! Awesome! Under the pavilion was registration and merchandise, under the smaller middle tent was the band Toybox Trophies and under the big tent were all the games, baskets for raffles and food that any event would envy. After about and hour I had all the speakers set up and began thanking all of the sponsors for their help with this event. 12:00 came and the hundreds of people who showed up to show their support enjoyed opening ceremonies. The ceremonies began with Birdie playing the National Anthem on her keyboard as everyone sang along. Then the boy scouts recited the Pledge of Allegiance and the walk was under way! All of the walkers made their way around the park as the band played and the Triple Cities Choppers arrived from the fundraising run for the event. Upon the walkers re-entry to the tented area, everyone was able to get some food.Hot dogs, pizza and cookies generously donated by local shops were enjoyed by all! at 2:00pm the band took an intermission and the talking hands gathered to perform a five song set, using sign language to interpret all of the songs! It was a great display! I and everyone attending had a great time for such a great cause this weekend.

'Our members make themselves available to assist and support families touched by Down syndrome. Our group meets monthly for meetings and/or events to encourage friendships and strengthen bonds with each other while striving to increase our knowledge and understanding about Down syndrome' -http://www.dsinstny.org/

All the monies donated, of course, go toward the National Down Syndrome Society.

In my book, the only 'R' word that should be used is RESPECT!