Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada Joins Ndss in Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
LAS VEGAS –The Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada (DSOSN) will celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by collaborating with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and its “Run for 3.21,” a 340-mile adventure run from Los Angeles to Las Vegas culminating March 23 at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign on the Las Vegas Strip.
“The runners are expected to begin arriving at the sign between noon and 1 p.m. on March 23,” said DSOSN Chairman Peter Whittingham. “To give the NDSS team and the 3.21 runners a one-of-a-kind Las Vegas welcome, we are inviting our members, supporters, partners and the general public to join us in cheering them on as they cross the finish line at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign.”
Members of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Community Oriented Police (COP), South Central Area Command, who are teaming up with DSOSN for the event, will escort the runners during the last leg of the race to the finish line at the iconic sign. Other collaborating partners include Pinkbox Doughnuts, Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities (NGCDD), and Optum. Festivities will include refreshments (including free Pinkbox donuts) and a Down syndrome Resource Fair, with disability-related resource information from NGCDD, Optum, Straight Up Abilities, Real Autism Difference (RAD), Milestone Family Solutions, and DSOSN.
Proclamations presented by Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo’s office and Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft also will be part of the celebration.
The inspiring challenge includes athletes running across the Mohave Desert in support of NDSS programs that advocate for and support people with Down syndrome, as well as their families.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly one in every 772 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome, making it the most common chromosomal condition. About 5,100 babies with Down syndrome are born in the U.S. each year. Down syndrome occurs when a newborn has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. Typically, the nucleus of each cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, half of which are inherited from each parent.
For more information on DSOSN, visit dsosn.org.
About Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada
Founded in 1987, Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada (DSOSN) is a 501 (c) (3) organization serving people and their families in Southern Nevada who are diagnosed with Down syndrome. It offers an array of recreational and impactful programs, all at no cost to its members. Aimed at meeting the critical needs of its service population, DSOSN also fosters a constructive perception of Down syndrome by focusing on maximizing the potential of its members, through self-awareness, self-advocacy, inclusion, and job-readiness preparation for employment opportunities. Visit dsosn.org for more information.
