UCO to Help With Down Syndrome Festival and 5K
Emyli Creekmore
The University of Central Oklahoma is partnering with the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma (DSACO) for their annual Down Syndrome Festival and 5K on Sept. 27 at the Myriad Botanical Gardens in Oklahoma City.
The purpose of this event is to bring awareness to Down Syndrome. All money raised will stay in the central Oklahoma area to fund programs, activities, and services that DSACO supports.
DSACO’s mission is, “To raise awareness and provide resources, as well as promote acceptance and inclusion for people with Down Syndrome.”
The day of the free event will begin on Sheridan Avenue with the 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run beginning at 8 a.m.. These events are followed by an Awareness Walk at the Myriad Gardens, around 9:45 a.m., where family teams will walk to celebrate their loved ones with Down Syndrome.
Immediately following the Awareness Walk, the Festival will take place on the Great Lawn and Sheridan Lawn. There will be several activities, including: raffles, inflatables, face painting, carnival games, music, talent shows, cotton candy, food trucks, and more.
This is the first year UCO is partnering with DSACO to help volunteers at their event. This event is being led by the Alternative Break Weekend Trip Leader, UCO student Amrita Shrestha. UCO students will be helping as check-in table attendants to help ensure a smooth and efficient check-in process for all volunteers.
UCO student Amrita Shrestha, the Alternative Break Weekend Trip Leader, and Jaiden Ingram, the Coordinator of Community Engagement at UCO, helped provide this opportunity to UCO students. Ingram shared why partnering with DSACO is important for UCO and students, “it reflects our university’s commitment to inclusion, service, and building meaningful connections with the broader Oklahoma community”.
Ingram continued, “Partnering with DSACO gives our students the opportunity to support an organization that champions acceptance and awareness for individuals with Down syndrome, while also raising funds that directly benefit families in our area.” To sign up, go to the UCORE webpage to fill out the application.