Alexandria Girls Light Up Buddy Walk For Down Syndrome Awareness

ALEXANDRIA, VA—The Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia's annual Buddy Walk got some extra encouragement this year from Alexandria's own cheerleaders. Bishop Ireton High School's varsity team was there to cheer those affected by Down syndrome and their supporters at the fundraiser on Oct. 14 in Manassas Park.

The cheerleaders helped run games for children, setting up and cleaning up the event, chalking the walk path, taking photos—and of course cheering on participants.

"I am so extremely proud of how hard the team works at this event, and the sense of pride they take in participating in this walk," said Head Coach Angela Hope. "It is truly inspiring on so many levels."

The cheerleaders see it as a rewarding way to give back to the community. Yannet Ephrem, who will graduate in 2019, has been involved for four years. "We start the walk and get to interact with such amazing kids," she said. "I'm really going to miss being able to go to this event with the team every year, it's such an incredible day that I won't ever forget."

The Buddy Walk is the organization's largest fundraisers of the year. The funds support those with Down syndrome and their families. The group also runs a Champion Football League for people with disabilities, consultations on children's individualized education plan (IEP), parent-to-parent mentoring, educational sessions and more. For more information, visit www.dsanv.org.

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Image via Bishop Ireton