The 24th annual DSACO Buddy Walk took place at Fortress Obetz on Oct. 5. Two hundred and sixty-two teams participated this year, the most to date.

The walk encourages families and friends to have a day celebrating those with Down syndrome with games, music, and a walk.

Some families traveled from as far as Kentucky to participate in the celebration.

The day started with a tailgating-like morning where teams are welcome to pitch canopies and occupy the parking lot to cook breakfast for their teams.

The opening ceremony follows with a presentation by the designated ‘dance team’ and the national anthem.

Then teams line up to take on the track. The track was lined by local cheerleading squads who committed to cheering for each team.

Some teams carried banners honoring those who have passed while others walked for the first time. Some walk to support friends.

“I walk for all of them,” Kathy Able of Delware said. Kathy is also called Memaw by the clients she and her daughter help through Creative Options.

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