3.21 DASH FOR DOWN SYNDROME

On Saturday, March 18, 2017, the Down Syndrome Network of Greater Greensboro (DSNGG) will hold its FIRST annual 5K run/walk in honor of World Down Syndrome Day! The 3.21 Dash for Down Syndrome will be the first race ever to start and finish at the new Lebauer Park in downtown Greensboro. It will be a traditional timed 5K race… with a little something extra! In addition to the finish line at 3.1 miles (5K), runners will have the opportunity to dash an extra .11 mile to a second finish line for a 3.21-mile finish, signifying the 3 copies of the 21st chromosome that characterize individuals with Down syndrome. The extra “dash” (in honor of our kids’ extra chromosome) will be an exciting run, as people with Down syndrome race alongside the runners with loud cheers and big smiles! In order to make this event a huge success, we hope you will be excited to join us in our efforts to promote this event, and we hope it will become an event we celebrate year after year.

Our registration site is up and running at https://runsignup.com/RaceNC/Greensboro/321DashforDowns.

For more details,please visit www.dsngg.org.

Event proceeds will benefit the DSNGG in its efforts to support individuals with Down syndrome (Ds) and their families in our community. Participants will directly help the DSNGG continue to provide many programs and events to its families, from providing welcome bags for new parents in the hospital to hosting speakers for parents on topics such as special education rights and financial planning. The DSNGG also offers financial assistance and scholarships to families who need help providing medical or therapeutic services for their children with Drs.

Did you know that people with Down syndrome have extra chromosome? Most people have two copies of 23 different chromosomes, but individuals with Down syndrome are born with three copies of the 21st chromosome (the medical term for this is Trisomy 21). That’s it … only one chromosome difference! So for awareness and support, we are adding to a traditional 5K (3.1-mile) run a short extra “dash” (0.11 mile) for Down syndrome for a total distance of 3.21 miles!!! Your official time will be captured at the 5K finish line; the Dash is just for fun!

World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated each year on 3/21 to signify the third copy of the 21st chromosome present in individuals with Down Syndrome. Events, like the 3.21 Dash for Down Syndrome, will take place AROUND THE WORLD to celebrate individuals with Down syndrome and the vital role they play in our lives and communites. To learn more about World Down Syndrome Day and to see how people are celebrating around the globe, go to https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/wdsd-2015.
The Down Syndrome Network of Greater Greensboro is committed to enriching the lives of individuals with Down syndrome by connecting with new families, providing social and educational opportunities for our members, and promoting awareness and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome in our community. More about the DSNGG can be found at www.dsngg.org.

For more information, or if you are interested in volunteering for this event, please contact Event Coordinator, Korey Hickling, at korey.hickling@gmail.com.