The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society will hold their 11th annual Buddy Walk in Forsyth Park on Saturday, October 1 at 10 a.m. The event is open to all ages and abilities; LDSS encourages those in wheelchairs, carriages and strollers to attend. Pets are welcome too.

Last year’s event welcomed over 5,000 participants. This year, LDSS is hoping to have even more community members come out to raise awareness and support local programs that benefit people with Down syndrome and their families.

Participants can sign up for early registration online at http://ldssga.org/register. Registration will also be accepted the day of the event. The cost to attend is $15.00 per person or $50.00 for a family of four. In addition to participating in the walk, registration includes a T-shirt, lunch and admission to the family-fun festival.

“The walk takes place in October as our way of celebrating National Down Syndrome Awareness month,” said Candy Bogardus, President of LDSS. “The goals of this annual event are to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and to positively influence local and national policy and practice.”

Proceeds from Savannah’s Buddy Walk help sponsor events such as the Night of Champions, Camp Buddy and many other services.

Immediately following the walk, the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society will hold a family-fun festival in the park until 2 p.m. Activities will include face painting, pumpkin painting, princess and pirate booths, bounce houses, games, music and refreshments.