The Buddy Walk was created by the National Down Syndrome Society to celebrate the abilities and accomplishments of people in our communities who have Down syndrome. Buddy Walk events take place across the nation to recognize October's National Down Syndrome Awareness Month and to raise funds to support research and advocacy.

More than 1,500 people attended DSAMT's 2008 Buddy Walk in Nashville, with 60 teams of fundraisers gathering over $92,000!

See a slideshow from the 2008 Buddy Walk

No matter your age or athletic ability, you will enjoy this walk in beautiful Centennial Park. After the walk, join us for carnival games, crafts, activities, music, hula-hooping and more. We'll have hot dogs and burgers for sale at the event, or you can bring your own picnic lunch!

The DSAMT Buddy Walk is free and open to the public, but registration is required for all walkers. The first 1000 walkers at the Buddy Walk will receive a free t-shirt!

Click here to register online at www.firstgiving.com/dsamt

The funds raised at the Buddy Walk go directly to support programs and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome and their families at both local and national levels.

DSAMT provides low-cost or free support groups, counseling, advocacy and education for parents, grandparents, siblings and community professionals. For self-advocates, we provide summer camps, social and recreation activities. We can't do it without your help!

We need your help to raise $100,000 to support programs and advocacy in 2009!

You can help by setting up your own personalized fundraising page for the Buddy Walk when you go to www.firstgiving.com/dsamt. It's free, easy, and it only takes a minute. Your friends can donate to your page using any major credit card. The transactions are simple and completely secure.

To raise funds off-line, you can click here to download the Buddy Walk registration pledge form. Ask your friends, family, church members or co-workers to help you by making a pledge.

You can turn in your donations to DSAMT any time before the Walk on October 17, or turn them in the morning of the event. If you are collecting cash donations, please make sure to convert them to a check or money order before bringing them with you to the walk.

click here to register and start fundraising on Firstgiving!

Teams work together to raise funds and come together to have fun at the Buddy Walk. The teams who raise the most in donations or show the most team spirit even win prizes!

You can start a team in honor of your loved one who has Down syndrome or form a team with your company, church or school organization.

To get started, just download the Team Information Packet by clicking the link below. Then, go to www.firstgiving.com/dsamt to register your team and create your own personalized team fundraising page.

Click here to download a Team Information Packet

This year's Buddy Walk t-shirt design will be created by an individual with Down syndrome and we need your creativity!

The contest is open to any individual in Middle Tennessee who has Down syndrome. The winning designer will see his or her artwork on more than 1,000 t-shirts and will receive an award at the Walk. Click on the link below for complete contest rules and entry form. The deadline for submissions is Friday, August 21, 2009.

Click here for t-shirt contest rules and entry forms

Call Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee at (615) 386-9002 if you have questions about this event.

We can't wait to see you there for all the fun!

visit www.dsamt.org