Source: DE Down Syndrome
NEWARK, DE (October 20, 2025) On Saturday, October 18, the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware (DSADE) hosted its 22nd Annual Delaware Down Syndrome Walk & 5K at Glasgow Park in Newark. The day brought together families, friends, advocates, and community members from across the region for a morning of fitness, fun, and fundraising in support of individuals with Down syndrome.
800 people attended this year’s event, raising $86,690 to support DSADE’s statewide programs and services.
The day kicked off with a Team Captain Set-Up Party at 8:30 a.m., followed by 5K check-in at 9:00 a.m. and the timed 5K run at 10:00 a.m., held in collaboration with Fusion Racing. Participants were then welcomed into the Family Fun Day, which included inflatables, music, food trucks, a photo booth, face painting, caricature artists, and more.
At 11:00 a.m., 5K awards were distributed and the Opening Ceremony commenced, celebrating the spirit of the event and the community it serves. The energy continued into the Awareness Loop at 11:30 a.m., a powerful moment where families proudly walked together in honor of their loved ones with Down syndrome.
“This event is more than a fundraiser—it’s a joyful celebration of inclusion, acceptance, and love,” said Lauren Camp Gates, executive director of the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware. “We’re so grateful to everyone who helped make this day so special, including our almost 60 fundraising teams and our strong base of volunteers from schools and organizations across the state.”
Attendees were encouraged to form or join fundraising teams leading up to the event, working together to raise critical funds for DSADE’s mission. Teams celebrated their efforts under team tents throughout the day.
Funds Raised Support Year-Round Services
All proceeds from the Walk & 5K help fund DSADE’s year-round programs and services for nearly 600 families in Delaware and surrounding areas. These include educational workshops, new parent outreach, advocacy efforts, community events, and more
About the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware
The Down Syndrome Association of Delaware is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to support families, promote community involvement, and encourage a lifetime of opportunities for people with Down syndrome. Learn more at dsadelaware.org or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dsadelaware.
About Down Syndrome
Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition and is caused by a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. People with Down syndrome are living longer, happier, and healthier lives than ever before; they are attending post-secondary education programs, working, and contributing to society in many wonderful ways.
When talking or writing about someone with Down syndrome, “person-first” language should be used, emphasizing the person before the disability. Instead of a “Down syndrome child,” it should be “a child with Down syndrome.” It is preferred to say, “Down syndrome,” rather than “Down’s syndrome.” Also avoid using “Down’s child” or calling it “Down’s.”
