EPCC Hosts 16th Annual El Paso Buddy Walk

The Down Syndrome Coalition for El Paso and El Paso Community College hosted the 16th annual Buddy Walk on Oct. 3 at the EPCC Valle Verde Campus Americana Village.

Approximately 700 people participated in the one-mile fun walk, which raised funds for the Down Syndrome Coalition for El Paso, the EPCC Buddy Walk Scholarship for students with disabilities and the National Down Syndrome Society.

The event included entertainment, food trucks and information tables. Every individual with Down syndrome who attended received a Buddy Walk medal.

“The Buddy Walk is a celebration of belonging,” Lydia Rios, president of the Down Syndrome Coalition for El Paso, said. “Every step represents acceptance and every person who joins us helps create a world where individuals with Down syndrome are given the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.”

The DSCEP El Paso Buddy Walk is one of 250 Buddy Walks held nationally. The event took place during October, which is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that occurs in approximately one of every 700 births in the United States. The National Down Syndrome Society advocates for the acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome as valued members of the community.