By Theresa Garee

The 24th Columbus Buddy walk is hosted by the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio annually. This year’s walk will take place at Fortress Obetz on October 5. The event is a celebration of inclusion and awareness for people with Down syndrome.

The event invites friends and families to form teams that will walk the track. The day is accompanied with music and fun activities for all ages.

“We showed up, didn’t know what we were getting into,” Michael Roehlig of Grove City said.

Roehlig’s friends and family went to their first Buddy Walk when their son, Carsten, was a baby. Carsten’s team is called Carsten’s Crazies and Carsten looks forward to the event every year. Carsten is four years old now and, “He knows what it is,” Roehlig said.

The whole family enjoys the event, even waking at 6 a.m. to set up the breakfast tailgate before the walk. Carsten’s sister, Makayla, enjoys cheering on all the teams.

“It’s a celebration for all the kids,” Roehlig said.

“We participate because it raises awareness for individuals with Down syndrome and fosters a sense of community with parents who have loved ones with Down syndrome,” Courtney Massey, mom of Mykinley.

Mykinley has participated in the Buddy Walk for four years. She particularly enjoys the music and dancing. Mykinley’s team is called Movin’ It For Mykinley.

Mykinley is supported by the Pickerington High School Central Volleyball program. The program provides a Down syndrome night at one of their games and encourages athletes to sign up and volunteer at the Buddy Walk event.

It’s an opportunity to say, “Count me in” and give back to your local community while making an impact on the lives of people with Down syndrome.” the DASCO Facebook page reads.

Vice President of DSACO, Carey Eash said, “Money raised through the Buddy Walk stays right here in Central Ohio to support people with Down syndrome and their families. From educational programs and family resources to advocacy and community events, these funds help us fulfill our mission of creating a lifetime of opportunities for people with Down syndrome.”