Step 1: Register at the official event page

Head to the registration page at DSAU Buddy Walk 2026 or scan the QR Code below to get started. The event is hosted by the Down Syndrome Association of the Upstate and will be held at 840 Mauldin Rd, Greenville, SC 29607. Registration is handled through Zeffy, which means 100% of your purchase goes directly to DSAU’s mission — no platform fees taken out.

Choose the registration options that work best for you:

  • Individual with Down Syndrome Registration — FREE: For all individuals with Down syndrome. Includes a Buddy Walk T-shirt and Chick-fil-A Sandwich Box Lunch at no charge.
  • Individual Registration — $10: Standard registration for all other participants.
  • Registration + Chick-fil-A Box Lunch — $20: Includes your registration plus a Chick-fil-A Sandwich Box Lunch (choice of sandwich or nuggets, waffle chips, and a chocolate chip cookie).
  • Registration + Buddy Walk T-Shirt — $30: Includes your registration and an official 2026 DSAU Buddy Walk T-shirt.
  • Registration + T-Shirt + Box Lunch — $40: The full package — registration, 2026 Buddy Walk T-shirt, and a Chick-fil-A Box Lunch.

Once you’ve selected your option, you’ll also have the opportunity to add an optional donation to DSAU before clicking Continue to complete your registration.

Step 2: Create your team!

After completing your registration, the fun really begins — create your team! Gather your family, friends, coworkers, or community group and set up a fundraising team page. Share your team page with your network to collect donations and rally supporters around the cause. Teams are a great way to make a bigger impact while celebrating the individuals with Down syndrome in your life.

** Donating to your team does not guarantee registration for the Buddy Walk! This must be done at step one, and then they will have the ability to join the team after registration for additional fundraising. While registration totals will not be reflected in your team fundraising efforts, the totals will be calculated for announcements prior to Buddy Walk.

REGISTRATION & FEES

How do I register?

  • Participants can register online prior to the event through the official Buddy Walk registration website. Early registration is encouraged to secure your spot and receive important event updates.

How do I join a team?

  • Following the registration process, you will be directed to join a team. Select “Join a Team” and search for the team you would like to support.
  • If you have already registered and would like to join a team after completing your registration, please contact DSAU for assistance.

Do I have to register to attend?

  • Yes. All participants are required to register in advance or on event day and check in at the Registration Table upon arrival.
  • Registration helps DSAU plan appropriately for event activities, T-shirts, food, and participant safety.

Can I register on event day?

  1. If space allows, same-day registration may be available. However, Chick-fil-A box lunches and T-shirts must be purchased ahead of time.

What if I don’t want Chick-fil-A?

  • Participants are also welcome to bring their own snacks or lunch items to accommodate dietary restrictions or personal preferences.

Are registrations refundable or transferable?

  • Buddy Walk registrations are non-refundable. Because registration fees directly support DSAU programs and services, registrations cannot be refunded. If you are unable to attend, please contact DSAU to discuss whether your registration may be transferred to another participant.

What happens if it rains?

  • The Buddy Walk is a rain-or-shine event. In the event of severe weather or conditions that may impact participant safety, DSAU will communicate any schedule changes or event updates through email, social media, and the event website.

What should I bring to the Buddy Walk?

  • We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen and sunglasses, a refillable water bottle, stroller or mobility equipment, if needed, team signs, spirit items, or noisemakers, a positive attitude, and your Buddy Walk spirit!

What happens on the day of the Buddy Walk?

  • Participants should begin by checking in at the Registration Table to pick up their event materials.
  • The event opens at 10:00 a.m., with the walk beginning at 11:00 a.m. Throughout the day, participants can enjoy family-friendly activities, entertainment, community resources, sponsor booths, and opportunities to connect with other families and supporters.
  • An event schedule will be shared prior to Buddy Walk day.

If I own a business—or know someone who does—can I become a sponsor?

  • Absolutely. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and organizations of all sizes. Becoming a Buddy Walk sponsor is a meaningful way to support individuals with Down syndrome and their families while increasing your organization’s visibility in the community.
  • For sponsorship information, please visit the event website or contact DSAU directly.

EVENT LOGISTICS

What time does the event start?

  • The event begins at 10:00 a.m., and the walk will officially start at 11:00 a.m. We encourage participants to arrive early to allow time for parking, check-in, and enjoying pre-walk activities.

Where do I park?

  • Free parking is available at Conestee Park. Please follow posted signage and volunteer instructions upon arrival.

What activities will be available at the Buddy Walk?

  • The Buddy Walk features a variety of family-friendly activities for all ages, which include: sponsor and community partner booths, children’s activities and games, crafts and interactive experiences, entertainment and music, Kona Ice Truck, Team photos and recognition opportunities.

Are strollers allowed?

  • Yes. Strollers are welcome, and the Buddy Walk route is designed to be accessible for participants of all abilities.

Can I bring my dog?

  • To ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees, pets are not permitted at the Buddy Walk. Service animals trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities are always welcome.

Where do I pick up my Buddy Walk packet?

  • Buddy Walk packets can be picked up at the Registration Table on event day. Please plan to arrive early to allow time for check-in before activities begin.

Can someone else pick up my packet for me?

  • Yes. A family member or friend may pick up your packet on your behalf. To ensure a smooth check-in process, please have them provide the participant’s name and team name, if applicable.

What should I wear?

  • Participants should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and supportive walking or running shoes.
  • We also encourage participants to wear their Buddy Walk T-shirts, team shirts, or attire that celebrates and supports the Down syndrome community.

Will there be water stations?

  • Yes. Complimentary water will be available throughout the event. Please look for designated water coolers located around the event area and along the walk route.

Are restrooms available?

  • Yes. Restroom facilities are available at the pavilion at Conestee Park.

Will there be medical support on site?

  • Yes. Medical support will be available throughout the event.
  • Nurses from the Meyer Center for Special Children will be on site to assist with any medical needs or concerns.

Can I bring a tailgate tent for the family area?

  • Yes! Families are welcome to bring their own tailgate tent or canopy for the family area. For everyone’s safety, all tents must be properly secured with weights or sandbags. Tent stakes are not permitted. Please note that families are responsible for setting up, monitoring, and taking down their own tents.

Will there be tents available for people to use?

  • DSAU will have a limited number of covered areas and event tents throughout the venue; however, these spaces are not guaranteed and are primarily reserved for event activities, vendors, and sponsors. Families are encouraged to bring their own tent or canopy if they would like a designated shaded space.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

What prizes are awarded at the Buddy Walk?

  • Prizes may be awarded for top individual fundraisers, top fundraising teams, team spirit, and other special recognition categories.
  • Additional details about awards and prize categories will be announced closer to the event date.

Where can I find my results?

  • Event results, fundraising totals, and award recipients will be posted on the Buddy Walk website shortly after the event.

FUNDRAISING

Where does the money raised for Buddy Walk go?

  • Funds raised through the Buddy Walk directly support the programs, services, and advocacy efforts of the Down Syndrome Association of the Upstate. These funds help provide educational resources, family support services, community events, scholarships, outreach initiatives, self-advocacy programs, and opportunities that promote inclusion and empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families throughout the Upstate community.

Do I have to raise additional funds?

  • No. Additional fundraising is encouraged but not required to participate in the Buddy Walk. Every registration and donation makes a difference, and participants are welcome to fundraise at any level that feels comfortable. Many participants choose to create fundraising pages or teams to honor a loved one, celebrate achievements, and further support DSAU’s mission.

How do I create or join a team?

  • During the registration process, you will have the option to create a new team or join an existing one.
    o To create a team, select “Create a Team” and follow the prompts to name your team and customize your fundraising page.
    o To join an existing team, search for the team name during registration and select “Join Team.”

Can I make an additional donation?

  • Yes. Additional donations are always welcome and greatly appreciated. You can make a donation during registration, through an individual or team fundraising page, or by visiting the event’s donation page at any time.

ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION

Is the course wheelchair accessible?

  • Yes. The Buddy Walk route is wheelchair accessible and designed to be inclusive for participants of all abilities.