Festival, walk to shine light on Down syndrome
The Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma (DSACO) will host its 27th annual Down Syndrome Festival & 5K on Sept. 25 at the Myriad Botanical Gardens.
“More than 900 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.”
This will be the annual awareness walk held in Oklahoma City to raise funds and promote DSACO’s mission to “raise awareness and provide resources, as well as promote acceptance and inclusion for people with Down syndrome.”
The 1-mile Fun Run and 5K will begin at 8 a.m., and the awareness walk (about four city blocks) will begin at 10 a.m. followed by festival activities, including a DJ, carnival games, inflatables, face painters, therapy dogs and entertainment for all ages.
In addition to the in-person 5K, which is a USATF sanctioned race, other options include 1-mile Fun Run and a virtual 5K option. Registration for both races and the virtual option is $40 per person and includes a Tshirt and medal for all finishers. Participating in the awareness walk and entry into the festival are free and open to the public.
The Festival and 5K is the largest annual fundraiser for DSACO.
Free parking the day of the event will be available at the American Parking lot accessed off Reno and Harvey avenues.
To learn more about participating in the Down Syndrome Festival and 5K, go to www.dsfestivaland5k.com. For information about the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma, go to www.dsaco.org, call 405-600-9981 or email info@dsaco.org.