POTSDAM -- The Down Syndrome Association of St. Lawrence County Annual Buddy Walk takes place Sunday, Oct. 2 on Stevie’s Trail at Potsdam High School.

Music, games and other activities for children, a gift basket silent auction, refreshments and fun for all will greet participants. The event celebrates the abilities and achievements of children and adults with Down syndrome.

Everyone is invited to walk as an individual or as a team with family and friends. Participation in the walk is free but donations are encouraged. Proceeds raised help people in St. Lawrence County.

Registration starts at noon, and the walk begins at 1 p.m. St. Lawrence NYSARC is sponsor for the event. Anyone who would like to register in advance can do so online at slnysarc.org

Any business or individual who would like to contribute a gift basket or make a donation for the event should contact Christine Thompson at dsaofslc@gmail.com or 562-2118. For more information, follow the Down Syndrome Association of St. Lawrence County on Facebook.

The Buddy Walk was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Today, the Buddy Walk program is supported nationally by NDSS and organized at the local level by parent support groups, schools and other organizations and individuals.

Over the past sixteen years, the Buddy Walk program has grown from 17 walks to nearly 300 expected in 2011 across the country and around the world. Last year alone, 285,000 people participated in a Buddy Walk! They raised more than $11.2 million to benefit local programs and services as well as the national advocacy initiatives that benefit all individuals with Down syndrome.

The Buddy Walk is a one-mile walk in which anyone can participate without special training. It is an inspirational and educational event that celebrates the many abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome.