FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NDSS Contact:
Michelle Sagan
301-728-0447
NDSS HOSTS 340+ MILE RUN FROM LOS ANGELES TO LAS VEGAS IN CELEBRATION OF WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY
Washington, D.C. (March 18, 2024) – The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is hosting their 7th annual Run for 3.21, a 3-day relay race that covers over 340 miles, in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day, March 21st. Since 2018, the Run for 3.21 relay course has started in New York City and culminated in Washington, D.C., but this year, 21 runners and 6 support crew will traverse extreme conditions from Los Angeles, California, through the Mojave Desert, to Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Run for 3.21 LALV team includes veteran participants and runners new to the event hailing from eight states across the U.S. Team members include Nathanael Achor, Brad Adams, Misty Adams, Heather Bedinger, Prince Brooks, Kristen Buff, Casey Craig, Jaime Durant, Tabitha Heit, Caitlin Jones, Robert Jones, LeAnn Larson, Kristie Magnuson, Jenny Mallick, Mike Mallick, Megan McGee, Jacquelyn (Jackie) McMahan, Virginia (Gina) Mannion, Rebecca Muncy, Chandel Perkins, Michelle Ray, Terasa Reyes, Beth Sheely, Bobby Tran, Michelle Viall, Shawn Waco and Matt Walker.
“Run for 3.21 takes a considerable amount of grit and determination,” says NDSS President & CEO Kandi Pickard. “Each year, I am blown away by the dedication and commitment these athletes show our community, and I am excited to see them tackle the west coast course this year.”
The challenging run event will raise funds for NDSS programs that support and advocate for the Down syndrome community; individuals and organizations wishing to support Team NDSS can do so online at https://give.ndss.org/campaign/2024-run-for-3-21/c490938. Anyone wishing to follow the event can do so by tracking the relay’s progress at https://live.enabledtracking.com/run321-2024/ beginning at 6 AM ET on March 21st or by tuning in to NDSS’ social media channels, where the event will be documented.
###
About NDSS
Founded in 1979, the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) empowers individuals with Down syndrome and their families by driving policy change, providing resources, engaging with local communities, and shifting public perceptions. NDSS engages grassroots advocates at the federal, state, and local levels and creates resources to support individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and caregivers across the lifespan on topics including education, employment, health and wellness, and aging. NDSS founded the National Buddy Walk® Program in 1995 and hosts community engagement events throughout the country including the New York City Buddy Walk® and Times Square Video, the NDSS Adult Summit, and the Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference. Visit www.ndss.org to learn more.