DSNOCC 15th Anniversary Buddy Walk® 2026

The DSNOCC 15th Anniversary Buddy Walk takes place at Jacksonville Commons Recreation Complex in Jacksonville, North Carolina, starting at 9:00 a.m. in late October. The Down Syndrome Network of Onslow and Carteret Counties hosts this event not as a speed-focused race, but as a gathering for people with Down syndrome and the families, educators, businesses, schools, churches, and neighbors who support them. The venue is the recreation complex, facilitating a day centered on gathering, walking, fundraising, and activities within a single local setting, rather than a point-to-point road course. The broader Buddy Walk initiative began with the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995. This DSNOCC iteration supports advocacy, inclusive education, family connection, outreach, and resources for all ages. Individuals with Down syndrome register at no cost. Teams can be formed by families or local groups. The fundraising goal is $321 per team, referencing World Down Syndrome Day on 3/21. Music, entertainment, vendors, and family activities contribute to a community festival atmosphere.