LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 20th Annual Capital Region
Buddy Walk on October 16, 2016

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in helping to increase
awareness and understanding of important medical conditions which affect
citizens across our great State and throughout the nation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 20th Annual Capital Region Buddy Walk on Sunday, October 16,
2016; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, the Buddy Walk has become the premier
advocacy event for Down syndrome in the United States; it is also the
world's most widely recognized public awareness program for the Down
syndrome community; and
WHEREAS, The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) established the
Buddy Walk program in 1995, to promote acceptance and inclusion of
people with Down syndrome, and to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness
Month in October of every year; and
WHEREAS, During its inaugural year, 17 Buddy Walk events were held
across the country, and Chris Burke proudly led the flagship New York
City Buddy Walk; and
WHEREAS, In 2014, the Buddy Walk had another record-breaking year,
with more than 315,000 participants raising significant funds in more
than 250 events across the country and around the world; and
WHEREAS, On the occasion of its 20th Annual Capital Region Buddy Walk,
this Legislative Body is pleased to have the opportunity to express its
highest admiration for the National Down Syndrome Society and to wish it
continued success in all its worthy endeavors; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 20th Annual Capital Region Buddy Walk on October 16,
2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the National Down Syndrome Society.