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WHEREAS, October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month; and,
WHEREAS, more than 1,800 individuals with Down syndrome live in Allegheny County alone, and more than 2,500 individuals with Down syndrome live in Western PA; and,
WHEREAS, the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh (DSAP), now in its 52nd year as an organization, was founded to play a vital role in the regional support network for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Its mission is to support, connect, educate, and inspire individuals with Down syndrome across the lifespan in the Greater Pittsburgh Region; and,
WHEREAS, DSAP supports thousands of family members, educators, and care providers through its network of programs, education, and advocacy; and,
WHEREAS, DSAP’s services and events reach Western PA and surrounding counties, including Westmoreland, Washington, Butler, Beaver, and beyond; and,
WHEREAS, The Buddy Walk is DSAP’s biggest event of the year, a celebration of people with Down syndrome and their families, a day of music, activities, and community, with an expected turnout of 2,000 people; and,
WHEREAS, for the second year in a row, DSAP is partnering on the Buddy Walk with Lion of Judah Enterprises, an organization which supports black and brown individuals with Down syndrome; and,
WHEREAS, the 32nd annual Pittsburgh Buddy Walk will occur on Saturday, October 10, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Hazelwood Green;
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare October 10, 2026 “Buddy Walk Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.