INSERT DATE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
YOUR NAME, PHONE NUMBER, EMAIL
For additional information on the MDSC, contact:
Communications Director Josh Komyerov, 781-221-0024 or
[YOUR TOWN] FAMILY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR
DOWN SYNDROME AT BUDDY WALK BY THE SEA
Hundreds of ‘Champions’ to Gather at Falmouth Marine Park July 27
[Your Town, MA]–On Sunday July 27, 2014, [names of your family members] will join hundreds of champions of the Down syndrome community at Falmouth Marine Park for the MDSC’s 4th Annual Buddy Walk by the Sea.
The event is expected to bring together about 400 people, including individuals with Down syndrome, family members and friends throughout southeastern Massachusetts, including the Cape and Islands. The event will raise both awareness about Down syndrome and critical funds to support programs and advocacy work.
The [YOUR FAMILY’S NAME] family will be celebrating their loved one with Down syndrome. [TELL YOUR STORY HERE, MAKING IT AS PERSONAL AS YOU’RE COMFORTABLE WITH. HOW HAS HAVING A LOVED WITH DOWN SYNDROME ENHANCED YOUR LIVES? HOW HAS IT BEEN A CHALLENGE? WHAT ARE YOUR FAMILY’S HOPES AND DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE?
This morning celebration will include a light breakfast, pre-walk activities, a one-mile pledge walk, post-walk entertainment and networking opportunities with local disability organizations. Headlining the entertainment is the region’s own The Atlantic Ave Band (http://www.theatlanticaveband.com/home).
Our “Champions” theme this year is based on the Boston Strong mentality of people coming together to overcome challenges and the community pride that has developed as a result. We’ll be able to highlight the true Champions of the Down syndrome movement here in Massachusetts and demonstrate the resilience of our community. Our Champion spirit is embodied by our Buddy Walks, when we all come together to ensure that people with Down syndrome have opportunities to lead fulfilling lives, while celebrating our loved ones and letting everyone know about it.
Registration
The public can register at www.mdsc.kintera.org/bwbythesea2014
Schedule of Events
9:30am- Registration, Light Breakfast & Pre-Walk Festivities
10:30am- 1.2 Mile Walk
11:30am- Post-Walk Refreshments, Live Band & Auction/Raffle Wrap-up
Additional Highlights include exhibitors, a K-9 demo, nautical games and activities, facepainting and resources for families seeking information about Down syndrome programs and supports. Local “Self Advocate Ambassadors” will be returning this year to help plan the big day. This year’s ambassadors include Carey Daley of Centerville and Tracey Newhart of Falmouth, both of whom have Down syndrome.
All proceeds benefit vital programs and services the MDSC offers including Parents First Call, Advocates in Motion (AIM), Educators Forum, Annual Conference, and Legislative Advocacy.
Families will be attending from throughout the Cape and Islands. Contact the MDSC at to be put in touch with a family in your coverage area!
About the MDSC
As we have over the past nearly three decades, the MDSC continues to ensure that all individuals in Massachusetts with Down syndrome are valued, included, and given every opportunity to pursue fulfilling lives. The MDSC offers a broad array of programs to serve people with Down syndrome and their families throughout the state, including: our signatureParent’s First Call Program, a volunteer, state-wide group of trained parent mentors available 24/7 that is a national model;two major annual conferencesthat draw national and international experts in their fields; aBuddy Walk® Programthat includes 3 Buddy Walks throughout the state;Self-Advocate Programslike Advocates in Motion and our Self-Advocate Advisory Council, which provide opportunities for teens and adults with Down syndrome while making empowerment a central component.