Festival to celebrate people with Down syndrome

The Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma (DSACO) will host its 24th annual Down Syndrome Festival & 5K at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark on Sept. 29.

The annual awareness event raises funds and promotes DSACO’s mission to “raise awareness and provide resources, as well as promote acceptance and inclusion for people with Down syndrome.”

“More than 700 individuals are living with Down syndrome in central Oklahoma,” said Sarah Soell, executive director of DSACO. “This event is not only our largest fundraiser, it is also meant to celebrate individuals with Down syndrome living within our community.”

The 5K will begin at 8 a.m. and the awareness walk (about four blocks) will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Gates to the ballpark will open and the festival fun will begin about 9:45 a.m.

This year’s activities will include a DJ, games, inflatables, an animal exhibit, craft area and entertainment for all ages. The event is expected to draw more than 6,000 people.

Registration for the 5K is $40 per person and includes a T-shirt and medal for all finishers registered by Friday. Participating in the awareness walk and entry into the festival are free and open to the public.

Sara Weir, president and CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society, will be joining the event to kick off the 5K race and awareness walk. As president, Weir oversees the organization’s mission, vision and administration, which is the largest nonprofit in the United States dedicated to advocating for people with Down syndrome and their families.

The Festival & 5K is the largest annual fundraiser for DSACO. Funds raised help the organization accomplish its goals through programs such as microwave-based cooking classes for teens and adults, a tutoring center, distribution of new parent packets, quarterly workshops, parent-to-parent support meetings, and scholarships for families to attend national conferences and conventions.

To learn more about participating in the Down Syndrome Festival & 5K, go to www.dsfestivaland5k.com.

Free event parking will be available at the Chevy Events Center east of the ballpark.

For information about the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma, go to www.dsaco.org, call 405-600-9981 or email info@ dsaco.org.

PROVIDED] [PHOTO Matching T-shirts are worn by the “Team Liam” group attending a past Down Syndrome Festival & 5K. This year’s event will be Sept. 29 at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.