The walk-a-thon around Princes Park was one of many events held around Australia as part of Down Syndrome Awareness Week (14 - 21 October).
‘Buddy Walk’ brings together people with Down syndrome and their ‘buddies’ - everyone from friends and family to teachers, politicians and co-workers - to raise funds for education, support and advocacy programs provided by Down Syndrome Victoria.
In support of its key charity partner, the Carlton Football Club joined in the festivities with a football clinic for the children. Captain Carlton mingled with the fans as and handed out prizes to the young footballers.
Down Syndrome Victoria is the peak state membership body for people with Down syndrome and their families.
The mission of the organisation is to empower people with Down syndrome to achieve a lifetime of meaningful inclusion in the community. Down syndrome is a genetic condition - people with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome, and this results in a number of physical and developmental characteristics including some level of intellectual disability.
Between 45 and 65 babies are born with Down syndrome each year in Victoria and there are over 3,000 people with Down syndrome living in the state. Down Syndrome Victoria offers peer support, information, training and professional development and advocates for the best possible life outcomes and an inclusive society.
For more information or to lend your support to Down Syndrome Victoria, visit them online at www.downsyndromevictoria.org.au.
On a beautiful sunny day, it was great to see so many families involved and enjoying the event.
