Senate Resolution No. 2644 BY: Senator TEDISCO COMMEMORATING the 28th Annual Capital Region Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome at Central Park in the City of Schenectady on September 29, 2024 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend events which promote inclusion and awareness for the achievements of individuals with Down syndrome; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 28th Annual Capital Region Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome at Central Park in the City of Schenectady, New York, on Sunday, September 29, 2024; and WHEREAS, The Capital Region's Buddy Walk is a short one-mile stroll around the pond in Schenectady's Central Park; along with the walk, the day is filled with resource information, entertainment, music, games, crafts, and snacks; and WHEREAS, Funds raised at the Buddy Walk have a direct impact on individuals with Down syndrome and their families within the local communities at any stage of life which includes parental education, professional education, Modified Curricular Units provided to Capital Region school districts, and much, much more; and WHEREAS, The Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center has been steadfast in its mission to provide parent-to-parent and professional services and support to individuals with Down syndrome and their families and to educate the broader community on Down syndrome; and WHEREAS, The Center for Disability Services has been one of upstate New York's largest providers of programs and services for individuals who have disabilities with more than 80 locations throughout 15 counties, annually providing programs and services to over 12,000 individuals, ranging from infants to senior citizens, and their families; and WHEREAS, Down syndrome is a genetic condition in where a person is born with an extra chromosome, which can affect how their brain and body develop; and WHEREAS, Sponsors such as Central Self Storage, Aflac and Cusack & Company CPA's join together to make the Capital Region Buddy Walk a rousing success year in and year out; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 28th Annual Capital Region Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome at Central Park in the City of Schenectady on September 29, 2024; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the hierarchy of the Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center and Center for Disability Services.