250-Mile, Nonstop Run to Honor Down Syndrome Advocacy and World Down Syndrome Day

November 10, 2017

The National Down Syndrome Society Announces New Run From Washington, D.C. To New York City To Advocate For Rights Of Individuals With Down Syndrome

WASHINGTON – The National Down Syndrome Society® (NDSS), the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome, is proud to announce RUN FOR 3.21. On March 21, 2018, National Down Syndrome Day, athletes will run from the U.S. Capitol to the United Nations. This 250-mile run from Washington, D.C. to New York City will culminate in a presentation at the United Nations to showcase the advocacy mission of NDSS. RUN FOR 3.21 is a nonstop race where each runner will serve as a link in the chain that connects NDSS with the United Nations and the collective rights of individuals with Down syndrome.

Occurring on March 21, (3/21, to represent the extra copy of the 21st chromosome) this 2 ½-day run will showcase the vision of NDSS, in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations and become valued members of welcoming communities. RUN FOR 3.21 teams will consist of selected individuals, self-advocates and professional runners.

Michelle Ray, Director of National Inclusive Health & Sports Programs at NDSS, added “There are so many reasons why people decide to participate in running, from raising money for increased awareness or to simply take on a new challenge. Our Run For 3.21 campaign aims to show the world the amazing accomplishments of individuals with Down syndrome. Today, people with Down syndrome are living longer, healthier and fulfilling lives. In essence, we want people to apply, support and donate to help inspire the powerful movement that surrounds World Down Syndrome Day.”

RUN FOR 3.21 is based on the feeling of independence and freedom that comes with running. For individuals with Down syndrome, freedom is experienced through advocating for yourself, possessing the ability to choose the life you want to lead, and realizing your own aspirations toward meaningful employment that is fulfilling and pays a fair wage alongside those that consider you their equal. This is why NDSS is excited to launch RUN FOR 3.21.

In the 250 miles between the Nation’s Capital and the United Nations, there will be sweat, tears and triumph. Striving to reach an organization such as the United Nations is significant for the continued progress and policy reform that is necessary for people with Down syndrome to remove their limitations and to achieve their ultimate potential, not just in the United States, but across the globe. The United Nations is an international organization formed in 1945 to increase political and economic cooperation among member countries—this run symbolizes the Down syndrome community’s goal of spreading awareness worldwide.

There are many ways to get involved in RUN FOR 3.21. For runners, registration is open to apply to run, but non-runners can donate to or sponsor the event.

DONATE: RUN FOR 3.21 will be an unforgettable journey for our athletes, allies and friends in the NDSS community. Every step we take over those 250 miles will help people with Down syndrome realize their true aspirations through our strong commitment to advocacy and policy reform. Help support us today.

SPONSOR: RUN FOR 3.21 will serve as the pinnacle event for the NDSS community in 2018 and will attract thousands of our loyal supporters and allies. We welcome the opportunity to share more about our mission with potential partners. Learn more about us today.

APPLY: TO RUN WITH US: RUN FOR 3.21 will be an incredible adventure for our team and the Down syndrome community. Applications will be accepted through Monday, November 27, 2017 and those selected to run will be notified in early December. Runners will be required to fundraise a minimum of $2,500 each and will need to be available throughout the duration of the run (3/19/18-3/21/18).

ABOUT NDSS

The National Down Syndrome Society is the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome. NDSS provides state-of-the-art, comprehensive programming to all individuals with Down syndrome and their families with four main areas of programming which include: the National Advocacy & Policy Center, the Inclusive Health and Sports Programs, including the National Buddy Walk ® Program, Community Outreach and Resources and Public Awareness. NDSS envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations and become valued members of welcoming communities. For more information visit www.ndss.org.

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