Dozens of University of Windsor students defied the cold on a Monday morning to walk for Down Syndrome.
The school's Disability Studies Student Association organized a 5k walkathon on the Windsor riverfront to raise money for Up About Down, a local charity that supports families affected by Down Syndrome. The event was part of a number across Ontario observing World Down Syndrome Day. Laura Chubb, president of the DSSA, describes the group's mission.
"We try to promote a culture of accessibility and awareness of disability and hold fun events like this walkathon," said Chubb.
This was the second annual walkathon in support of Down Syndrome awareness. While the number of participants was lower this year due to the chilly weather, Chubb says there is a need to provide support to those affected.
"It's important to recognize all disabilities and the disability culture," said Chubb. "This organization is trying to support the families that have children with Down Syndrome and we appreciate that. We recognize that we want to raise money to help them do that."
The DSSA acts as an advocate for university students with disabilities and as a pipeline between those students and the administration.