Event Day Information

We are so excited to welcome you to the 2023 Northeast Ohio Buddy Walk. Whether we see you at Cuyahoga Community College West Campus, or you participate virtually wherever you are, we look forward to celebrating and supporting individuals with Down syndrome with you throughout the community on Saturday, August 5, 2023.

We are going to be cashless again this year.  If you want to register the day of the walk, you will need to scan the designated QR code and complete the form on your phone.  Show your receipt at the registration table to get your shirts.   There will be volunteers to offer assistance and answer questions.  

August weather can be hot and it is important to stay hydrated. DSANEO will have bottled water available the day of the walk.  Please feel free to bring your own water bottles as well.  Please plan to bring any snacks that you need.

Tailgating is permitted the day of the walk!  You can set up in the parking lot during the walk.  PLEASE NOTE: NO GRILLS OF ANY KIND ARE PERMITTED.  If you do plan to tailgate, please bring trash bags to collect your trash.  

Aramark Food Services will have hot coffee/tea, bottled juice, and breakfast items available for sale the morning of the walk, from 7-10am in the Theater Lobby where registration/t-shirt pick up is located!  Stop by for that morning cup of coffee.

Pet Policy - Only registered service animals are permitted  the day of the walk.  Please be respectful of the Tri-C policy!

Buddy Walk Schedule of Events

  7:30 AM     Day of Registration and T-shirt Pick Up opens

  9:15 AM     Opening Ceremony

10:00 AM     Buddy Walk Steps Off 

11:00 AM     Post Walk Celebration begins

12:00 PM    Buddy Walk Concludes

Remembrance Tent

In memory of individuals with Down syndrome, their family members, caregivers and friends we have lost over the years, we will once again honor them at this year's Buddy Walk. Our Remembrance Tent will be a special place to visit during the walk, where you'll see and share stories, notes and photos of those we lost as we remember and celebrate their lives. We invite you to participate by sharing a story and/or photo honoring your loved one. If you would like to contribute, you can do so in advance by reaching out to Heather Bowers at psalm626@yahoo.com . Or, you can bring a photo to the Buddy Walk on Saturday, August 5th and write down a memory to share.