WHY WE WALK

The Down Syndrome Network (DSN) is excited to celebrate our 22nd Buddy Walk. It is a special way of celebrating our individuals with Down syndrome and how East Central Illinois accepts and includes them. Funds raised from the Buddy Walk help the DSN host educational and social events throughout the year.

Since 1995, the National Buddy Walk Program has been the premier Down syndrome awareness, advocacy and peer-to-peer fundraising program in the world. It was created by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and to raise funds for local and national incentives to support the Down syndrome community. Today, more than 200 Buddy Walk events take place in cities across the country and in select international locations. (as published at NDSS.org, 7/8/24)

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, October 9
3:30 - 5:30 pm | Team Captain T-Shirt Pickup at Kesler Hall on the Fairgrounds

Saturday, October 10
9 am | Registration Desk Opens / Team T-shirt Pickup

9 am | Buddy Walk Village Opens for Setup
BYOS* ~ Set up your area using your equipment
(no early setups are allowed)

10 am - 12 pm | Activities Open

11:45 am | Silent Auction Winners, Team Awards & Special Announcements

12:00 - 12:30 pm | Buddy Walk

After 1 pm | Grounds Clean Up***

*BYOS - Bring Your Own Setup: Bring your pop-up tents, tables, chairs, or whatever else you need for your group.
***Grounds Clean Up: We ask that everyone helps clean up the grounds after 1:00 pm.

THIS YEAR’S THEME

Register Online (credit card)
REGISTER BY MAIL (check)

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Sponsors are the key to our Buddy Walk success.
Learn more about sponsoring.

SILENT AUCTION DONATIONS
We are looking for some great gifts and packages to include. Interested in Donating? Learn more.

BUDDY WALK TEAMS
Begin building you team at this web page.

WALK AS A FAMILY OR AS INDIVIDUAL
You don’t have to build a team. Learn more about registering as a family.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The key to a successful Buddy Walk is a great group of volunteers. Learn more about volunteering!

QUESTIONS?
Send an email to buddywalk@champaigndsn.org.