Oct. 14 join over 1,000 walkers at the fourth annual Central Mississippi Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk at Winner’s Circle Park in Flowood.

Registration will be at 9 a.m., with the opening ceremonies beginning at 10 a.m. The walk will begin at 10:30 a.m. and closing ceremonies are scheduled for 12:30 p.m.

The Buddy Walk was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to celebrate October as National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and to provide an annual public platform for advocacy. Now, more than 200 Buddy Walks are held annually around the world!

CMDSS is a non-profit, run completely by volunteers. Funds raised through generous buddy sponsors, walker registrations, and pledges will not only support the Buddy Walk, but will also provide funding for a variety of local CMDSS programs including: Award winning New Parent Guide, 2007 CMDSS Photo Calendar, Educational Speakers, Family Social Events, Teen/Young Adult Group, Free Resource Library for Families across Mississippi.

“CMDSS has accomplished so much in the past 3 years and our goals are only getting greater. We are the support group for families across Mississippi who face a diagnosis of Down Syndrome and we want to reach every single family across Mississippi who may benefit from our social or educational functions. Our sole fundraiser is the Buddy Walk,” said Shawn Wilerson, Board of Directors member for CMDSS.

Families, friends and Buddy Walk supporters will have a fun-filled day at the event, in which Walt Grayson will be the Master of Ceremonise and Miss Mississippi Taryn Foshee will be the guest speaker.

The walk, which is presented by Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Mississippi and River Oaks Health System, will be highlighted with entertainment by the Mustard Seed Bells of Faith handbell choir, live music, door prizes, and a wide variety of family friendly activities for all ages. CMDSS invites you to participate in this exciting day by walking in honor of all the special children and adults who were born with Down syndrome. For more information, call (601) 397-DOWN(3696) or go to www.cmdss.org.