Buddy Walk®
World Down Syndrome Day Celebration
The Buddy Walk® is more than just a one-mile walk—it’s a fun celebration of individuals with Down syndrome, a community awareness event, and one of DSNOCC’s biggest fundraisers each year. Started in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society, Buddy Walk® events are held across the country to promote acceptance, inclusion, and opportunities for people with Down syndrome of all ages.
Since 2012, DSNOCC has proudly hosted the annual Buddy Walk® in Onslow & Carteret Counties, bringing together families, friends, schools, businesses, and community partners to support inclusion and celebrate community.
Join us in celebrating inclusion, connection, and community support for individuals with Down syndrome on October 24th at 9:00 AM!
Event Details
2026 — 15th Annual DSNOCC Buddy Walk®
Register | Fundraise | Volunteer | Sponsor
Date & Time:
October 24th at 9:00 AM
Location:
Jacksonville Commons Recreation Center – Jacksonville, NC
What to Bring:
Lawn chair or blanket, shade tent if needed, weather-appropriate gear, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
Accessibility:
Stroller-, wheelchair-, and walker-friendly route
Smooth, family-friendly course
All ages welcome
Invite grandparents, siblings, friends, neighbors — everyone is welcome.
Register or Donate Here: DSNOCC 15th Annual Buddy Walk®
What to Expect
The DSNOCC Buddy Walk® is a family-friendly celebration featuring:
- A gentle, accessible one-mile walk — perfect for strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers.
- Family-friendly activities: lawn games, music, refreshments, silent auction, vendors.
- A welcoming, inclusive atmosphere — everyone is encouraged to come as they are.
- Opportunities to meet other families, make friends, and build community.
Our Largest Fundraiser: The DSNOCC Buddy Walk®
The DSNOCC Buddy Walk® is our largest fundraiser of the year and a meaningful way to support individuals and families with Down syndrome in our community.
Whether you walk, roll, cheer from the sidelines, or fundraise from afar, your involvement makes a real impact. Proceeds directly support DSNOCC programs, advocacy efforts, education, and inclusive activities.
Can’t attend in person? Support is still possible through charitable donations via the Donate option on our website.
Come FUNdraise with us — and celebrate inclusion every step of the way!
Why the Buddy Walk® Matters
Every step taken at the Buddy Walk® helps to:
- Promote acceptance and understanding of individuals with Down syndrome
- Celebrate the unique abilities and strengths of our loved ones
- Fund programs, advocacy, education, and support for local families
- Build a community where everyone belongs
Whether you walk, volunteer, sponsor, fundraise, or cheer from the sidelines — you are part of the impact.
Our Buddy Walk® History
DSNOCC has hosted the Buddy Walk® annually since 2012, growing each year in participation, impact, and community support.
Past Buddy Walks
- 2025 — 14th Annual DSNOCC Buddy Walk® (View Photos)
- 2024 — 13th Annual DSNOCC Buddy Walk® (View Photos)
- 2023 — 12th Annual DSNOCC Buddy Walk® (View Photos)
- 2022 — 11th Annual DSNOCC Buddy Walk® (View Photos)
Join Us
- Come walk with us.
- Come celebrate with us.
- Come belong with us.
2026 — 15th Annual DSNOCC Buddy Walk®
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Location: Jacksonville Commons Recreation Complex, 100 Recreation Ln, Jacksonville, NC 28546
What to bring: Lawn chair or blanket, shade tent if needed, weather-appropriate gear, sunscreen, comfortable shoes We’ll have vendors, food and drink, lawn games, music, a
silent auction, and lots of community joy.
Accessibility: Stroller, wheelchair, and walker friendly — route is smooth and family-friendly
All ages welcome — invite grandparents, siblings, friends, neighbors
What to Expect
- A gentle, accessible one-mile walk — perfect for strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers.
- Family-friendly activities: lawn games, music, refreshments, silent auction, vendors.
- A welcoming, inclusive atmosphere — everyone is encouraged to come as they are.
- Opportunities to meet other families, make friends, and build community.
Why Your Participation Matters
Funds raised through the Buddy Walk help:
- Provide welcome baskets and support for new and expectant families.
- Offer mini-grants, scholarships, and hardship assistance to families who need them.
- Make possible community events, inclusive gatherings, and support networks year-round. Support advocacy efforts, school support, and resources for individuals with Down syndrome.
By walking with us, you help build a stronger, more inclusive community where every person with Down syndrome is valued.
Get Involved — Your Way
Attend and register
Volunteer or help on walk day
Sponsor the walk or donate
Share this event
Memories from Past Walks
What is Buddy Walk®?
The Buddy Walk® began in 1995 as a nationwide initiative to promote awareness, acceptance, and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. It has since grown into a vibrant community tradition, uniting hundreds of thousands of supporters across the country each year.
Our DSNOCC Buddy Walk continues this legacy — bringing local families, friends, and allies together to celebrate, advocate, and raise funds for vital programs supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Whether you walk, volunteer, donate, or simply cheer along — your participation matters. Join us this October and take a step toward inclusion, awareness, and community. See you at the Buddy Walk!
Our Sponsors
The Buddy Walk® was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. The Buddy Walk® is a one-mile walk in which anyone can participate without special training. Since its inception, the Buddy Walk® has grownacross the country. We were proud to bring this wonderful, heart-warming event to our community for the first time in 2012!