The Down Syndrome Association of Snohomish County is holding its first Buddy Walk this Sunday, Sept. 28 — one of over 250 Buddy Walk events planned in cities across the U.S. in upcoming weeks to celebrate October’s Down Syndrome Awareness Month. The Buddy Walk was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society to promote acceptance and inclusion of all people with Down syndrome.

The walk will be from 1-4 p.m. Saturday at Harvey Field, 9900 Airport Way, Snohomish. Participants include, but are not limited to, people with Down syndrome, their families, friends, teachers, coworkers and other supporters. Anyone is welcome to attend, regardless of whether they have a direct connection to a member of the Down syndrome community.

This event is Snohomish County’s first ever Buddy Walk. When the National Buddy Walk Program began in 1995, there were Walks in 17 cities. This year, there are over 250 Buddy Walk events scheduled, with over 300,000 people expected to participate. Last year alone, Buddy Walk events raised more than $11.75 million to benefit local programs and services, and national advocacy initiatives.