BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) - The community gathered to celebrate and recognize individuals with down syndrome in Down Syndrome of Southern Kentucky’s 26th annual Step Up for Down Syndrome walk Saturday at the Hot Rods stadium.

Executive Director for the nonprofit, Stephanie Morton, said it is one of their biggest fundraisers of the year.

“Our walk is a celebration of the community, individuals with down syndrome,” Morton said. “This day is just made to show them that we see them, and they’re special in their own right.”

The event was free to everyone in the community and included special characters, face painting and the walk itself.

Each individual walker was cheered down the line by local school cheerleaders.

With the help of sponsors and donations during the event, all proceeds go towards the organization’s programming.

These services, which include classes and other support resources, helps individuals with down syndrome and their families, from birth through death.

Morton said Saturday’s walk will fund their programming for the rest of 2024. It helps with funding things like supplies, scholarships and general operating funds.

She emphasized that these services are necessary, especially since they are one of three facilities in the state that provide them.

“We just want to make sure that everyone is achieving the best in life,” she said.

For more information on Down Syndrome of Southern Kentucky, visit their website dssky.org .