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Down Syndrome Buddy Walk Set for October 14
Topics: Community Service; People with Disabilities; Special Needs, events, down syndrome, walking
Posted by cbrcbr Thu Sep 13, 2007 10:34:56 PDT
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Down Syndrome Buddy Walk

Set for October 14

 

by Barry Rosenfeld

contributing writer

 

     The Fifth Annual Bakersfield Buddy Walk will be held on Sunday, October 14 from 12 noon to 4pm at Golden Valley High School (501 Hosking Ave.). Buddy Walk was established by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October.

     Everyone in the community is welcome to attend the event since the purpose of Buddy Walk is to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. During the month of October, there will be over 250 Buddy Walks across the United States.

     The Rotary Clubs of Bakersfield (Breakfast, Downtown, East, North, South & West) and Frazier Park along with their Interact, Rotaract and Youthact Clubs are teaming up with Friends and Family of Children with Down syndrome, Kern Regional Center, HEARTS Connection and BARC to make this the most significant event in Bakersfield’s five year history.

     Buddy Walk is a one mile walk in which anyone can participate without special training.  It will be a heart warming event that celebrates the many abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome and other disabilities. Before and after the walk, participants will enjoy entertainment, games, displays, food, music, fun, fellowship and raffle prizes.

     The Bakersfield and Kern County Fire Departments will participate in the event along with Bakersfield Police Department, Kern County Sheriff, and California Highway Patrol. The Bakersfield Police Department’s scent dog, Rikki will be on hand as well as the K-9 unit from the Kern County Sheriff.  Child ID units will be available and health screening will be courtesy of Mercy Hospital.  There will be many other exhibitors in attendance, as well.

     Registration for the event is only $10 per person, with discounts available for families and businesses. Everyone who attends will receive an official event tee shirt. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information contact Tracy Brown at

(661) 831 0951 or browntwinz@bakrr.com. The official website is www.buddywalk.org.

     One in every 1000 births results in Down syndrome. It occurs when an individual has three rather than two copies of the 21^st chromosome. The additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome. The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother.

     All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate. That being said, quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care and positive support from family and friends enable people with Down syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.

 

Barry Rosenfeld is the president of the Bakersfield West Rotary Foundation, a member of the Buddy Walk Steering Committee as well as being a member of the Californian’s Sounding Board

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