Since 1995, the Buddy Walk® has been the premier advocacy event for Down syndrome in the United States. It is also the world’s most widely recognized public awareness program for the Down syndrome community. The flagship New York City Buddy Walk® attracts participants from coast to coast each year.
Walk day kicked off on September 7 in Times Square and on Facebook Live with the annual Times Square Video Presentation from 9:30-10:30 am ET. Then, we left for Central Park from 11-3 for our NYC Buddy Walk and celebration. Whether you joined us in person or from home, thank you!!! While the event is over, you can still help us surpass our fundraising goal! Donate below.
2024 New York City Buddy Walk
Thank you for joining us at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park on September 7! For those who walked from home and celebrated from afar, thank you!
The day was full of excitement, meaning, and connection. Together, we celebrated our loved ones with Down syndrome, shared stories, competed for fun team awards - all while raising funds to help expand NDSS' work to empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families by driving policy change, provide resources, engage with local communities, and shift public perceptions! Together we have raised more than 250,000 dollars! We can't wait to see you on September 6, 2025.
The Times Square Video Presentation
Every year, NDSS reminds the world in a BIG way about the value that people with Down syndrome bring to their communities through a special video presentation on a jumbo screen, generously donated by Clear Channel, in the heart of Times Square.
500 individuals are chosen to appear in the Times Square Video, and NDSS tries to choose as many new faces as possible each year to highlight the diversity and beauty of our community. The hour-long presentation kicks off the NYC Buddy Walk® and is streamed live on Facebook. Submissions will open in March 2025. Stay tuned on our socials for announcements!
Photos from Past Events
