Online Registration Closed
WALK-INS WELCOME
T-shirts & Lunch tix available Sunday
on first-come, first-serve basis

Hi MDSC Member   

 

For thousands of people, the MDSC's 17th Annual Buddy Walk & Family Festival is all about celebrating their loved ones with Down syndrome, connecting with new and old friends, and just plain having fun! 

 

We are thrilled to say that the weather on Sunday is looking perfect for doing just that! See below for all the amazing entertainment options, like Rachel Coleman of Signing Time, Ayla Brown, Professional Dog Jumpers from GoTeam21, and the Boston Ballet. 

 

But the MDSC's 17th Annual Buddy Walk & Family Festival is also about so much more! 

 

October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, so there's no better time to promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Please call your local newspaper and tell them you'll be there Sunday. Use our Press Release template to fill them in about our event and about your family's story. 

 

We have a few other ideas too. Check out our Top 5 Ways to Raise Awareness this Down Syndrome Awareness Month! (tip #3: Wear your gear)

 

Each step around the beautiful 3-mile route at Lake Quannapowitt will raise critical funds that allow the MDSC to do what we do; supporting new and expectant families, educating health care professionals, providing social and leadership development for teens and young adults with Down syndrome, equipping educators with best practices and resources, and creating and influencing legislation affecting people with Down syndrome. 

 

We would be remiss not to mention our sponsors, without whose generous contributions this event would not be possible. See them below...

 

We can't wait to celebrate with you and your family on Sunday! Go here for Driving Directions, Parking Information, a Map of the Walk Route and more information.

   
   DETAILED SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
 
  

11:00am

 Registration Opens & Pre-Walk Festivities Begin 

 

Entertainment

Meet & Greet Rachel Coleman at her exhibit table (11:00-12:00)    

Boston Ballet Adaptive Dance Program Demo (11:15-11:45)

Yeager the Dog of Go Team 21

Movement and Music by Mr. Vic

Balloon Artists, Face Painting and Arts & Crafts

Tinkerbell

Tresca Bros. Cement Truck and Town of Wakefield Fire Engine

 

Pre-Walk snacks

Whole Foods Tent Sampling

Cedar's Hummus Sampling

Mix 104.1 Ice Cream

 

Sponsor Tents/Tables

* Parents First Call * Grandparents * Advocates in Motion (AIM) * Brothers & Sisters * Legislative Advocacy * MDSC Affiliates: D.A.D.S and Down Syndrome Autism Connection * Massachusetts General Hospital Truck * Boston Children's Hospital * VERIZON  Truck * AMP 103.3 * Reece's Rainbow *

 

11:00am - 3:00pm 

Food Services 

Note: this is change from previous years

MDSC Pre-Purchased Lunch Service

Food Sales on Vendor Trucks

(Pasta Pot, Chicken on the Road, Latin Spoon)

Food Sales on Festival Food Carts

 

12:00pm

Pre- Walk Stage Program

Welcome by Fox25 News Anchor Heather Hegedus, Emcee

Performance by Boston Ballet Adaptive Dance Program

Rachel Coleman performance

 

12:45pm

Walk Kick-Off Stage Program

with Special Guests including Self-Advocate, Katie Devellis and Dog Yeager(of Go Team 21) Jumping Act

 

1:00pm

Walk Begins(stage area) 

**2 Bus pick-ups on walk route at mile 1.5 and 2.75**

 

2:00-3:15pm

Post-Walk Activities Entertainment Begins

Yeager the Dog of Go Team 21

Children's Activity Tent

Self Defense Demonstration

Buddy Walk Team Awards Presentation (2:30 on stage)

Opening Act, Anna Tabasky (2:40 on stage)

Ayla Brown and 5-piece band (2:45 with autograph signing after performance) 

 

WALK-INS WELCOME!

            

SPOTLIGHT 
BOSTON BALLET ADAPTIVE DANCE

 

What happens when remarkable individuals with Down syndrome team up with the world-class Boston Ballet? In a word.. Magic! 

 

This year, students from the Boston Ballet's Adaptive Dance Class return to the stage with Ballet instructor Gino DiMarco and musicians from the Berkeley School of Music. We expect like last year the result to be impressive and flat-out fun. 

 

We have expanded our partnership with the Adaptive Dance Class this year. Not only will the students be on stage for a pre-walk performance at Noon, they will also present two demonstrations in their tent at 11:15 and 11:30. Everyone is welcome to stop by to watch. Willing walkers will also be invited to participate! 


Boston Ballet is making a special offer for Buddy Walk participants, 25% off select performances of� La Bayadere and The Nutcracker. Go here for complete information.

  

Adaptive Dance is designed to foster a love of dance and creative expression for individuals with special needs. The program began in 2002 as a joint venture between Boston Ballet and Children's Hospital, Boston Department of Physical Therapy. Now in its eleventh year, Adaptive Dance offers classes for children and young-adults with Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders at Boston Ballet's Newton and Boston studios. Classes are typically held on Saturdays and take place during two 10-week sessions (September through November and March through May). All classes are led by qualified Boston Ballet faculty and are supported by experienced physical therapists, and highly trained musicians.