Watch WDRB coverage of this event here.
Phil Mason, Allen Norton, and Mabelle Holmes helped kick off Down Syndrome Awareness Month in annual National Down Syndrome Society video presentation
NEW YORK (Sept. 19, 2022) – Local Down Syndrome of Louisville members Phil Mason, Allen Norton and Mabelle Holmes appeared in the bright lights of Broadway on Saturday, September 17, as part of the annual National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Times Square Video presentation. The one-hour video of roughly 500 photographs included children, teens and adults with Down syndrome from all 50 states. These collective images promote the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome in a very visible way.
The photos of Phil, Allen and Mabelle were selected from more than 2,400 entries in the NDSS worldwide call for photos. Their photos were shown on two JumboTron screens in the heart of Times Square, thanks to the support of ClearChannel Outdoor. The two screens were located above Dos Caminos restaurant in Father Duffy Square. To view the video presentation, click here.
Twenty-two-year-old Phil is shown smiling, proudly wearing a Down syndrome awareness T-shirt that reads “Just Down Right Awesome.” Seven-year-old Allen is pictured smiling while attending a local Louisville City FC soccer game at Lynn Family Stadium. Three-year-old Mabelle Holmes is seen showing off her artistic skills by coloring with markers.
The Times Square Video presentation was followed by the New York City Buddy Walk® in Central Park. The flagship Buddy Walk has taken place in New York City since 1995 as part of the National Buddy Walk Program. Buddy Walk events are held in hundreds of cities across the country, as well as select international locations.
To support Down Syndrome of Louisville locally, join the organization for their 24th Kindness Warrior Walk on Saturday, October 1, at Waterfront Park’s Festival Plaza. Registration for the event is free to members of the Down syndrome community and children under three years old. Outside of this group, registration is $21/person and includes a participation T-shirt, complimentary food options and access to Kids Fun Zone and Vendor Village. To learn more, please visit www.ds-stride.org/kindnesswarriorwalk.
About NDSS
The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome. NDSS envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming communities. Founded in 1979, NDSS supports and advocates for the Down syndrome community by focusing on three key areas of programming: Resources & Support, Policy & Advocacy, and Community Engagement. Within these focus areas NDSS engages in various activities, events, and programs on topics that are critical to our community such as federal and state advocacy and public policy, health and wellness, education, and employment. NDSS creates resources to support individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and caregivers across the lifespan and hosts awareness and engagement events throughout the country including the National Buddy Walk® Program, the Times Square Video presentation and New York City Buddy Walk®, Racing for 3.21 on World Down Syndrome Day, Run for 3.21, DC Golf Outing, the annual NDSS Gala & Auction, and various other events. Visit www.ndss.org for more information about NDSS.
About the National Buddy Walk® Program
Since 1995, the National Buddy Walk Program has been the premier Down syndrome awareness, advocacy, and peer-to-peer fundraising program in the world. It was created by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and to raise funds for local and national incentives to support the Down syndrome community. Today, roughly 150 Buddy Walk events take place in cities across the country and in select international locations. To learn more and find a Buddy Walk near you, visit www.buddywalk.org.
About Down Syndrome of Louisville: Down Syndrome of Louisville provides developmental and educational programs for individuals with Down syndrome throughout their entire life span. DSL’s Lifelong Learning Center is the first and only of its kind in the nation. Program excellence earned DSL the prestigious Gold Certificate of Accreditation from Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action. To learn more, visit www.dsoflou.org.
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