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 kicks 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, meet us in Central Park from 11-3 for our NYC Buddy Walk and celebration. Bus tickets are available between the two locations. Whether you join us in person or from home, it will be a wonderful day for the community.
2024 New York City Buddy Walk
We hope you’ll join us in Times Square and at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park on September 7, or choose our Walk-at-Home option and celebrate from any location. If it's been a while since you've joined us in NYC, we hope you'll return for the 30th New York City Buddy Walk!
The day promises to be one full of excitement, meaning, and connection. Together, we’ll celebrate our loved ones with Down syndrome, share stories, compete for fun team awards - all while raising funds to help expand NDSS's work to empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families by driving policy change, provide resources, engage with local communities, and shift public perceptions!
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 for the 2024 Times Square Video Presentation are now open! Click here to submit a photo. Submissions will close on June 4, and all those who submit a photo will be notified of our decision on July 8.
Photos from the 2023 Event
