Buddy Walk
Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026
Saluda Shoals Park Athletic Fields
6071 St. Andrews Road Columbia, SC 29212
11:00 AM Tailgaters and Specialty Vehicles Arrive
12:00 – 2:00 PM Family Fun Activities
2:00 PM Walk around the Field
2:15 PM Celebration Ceremony honoring Buddies and Teams
Celebrate. Connect. Belong.
Join Family Connection of South Carolina for Buddy Walk 2026 on Sunday, November 1 as we celebrate individuals with Down Syndrome and the families who love them.
Buddy Walk is more than a walk — it’s a day filled with laughter, friendship, community, and inclusion. Families, friends, neighbors, schools, businesses, and community partners come together to celebrate every Buddy, while raising awareness and supporting Family Connection’s mission of connecting families across South Carolina.
Whether this is your first Buddy Walk or your family’s favorite fall tradition, you’ll find a welcoming community ready to celebrate alongside you.
Follow us on social media for Buddy Walk updates!
What to Expect
Bring your family, decorate your team area, and enjoy an afternoon of:
- Family-friendly games and activities
- Music and entertainment
- Community exhibitors
- Raffles and giveaways
- Delicious refreshments
- A festive mini-walk
- Recognition of every Buddy and our top fundraising teams
Most importantly, you’ll spend the day surrounded by people who believe every individual deserves to be celebrated, included, and supported.
Registration is Free
Registration is completely free for everyone.
Every registered Buddy (an individual with Down syndrome) will receive a complimentary Buddy Walk T-shirt. Additional participant T-shirts will be available for purchase beginning in August.
Invite your family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, church, or school to join you! Forming a team is a fun way to celebrate your Buddy while raising funds that help Family Connection provide support, education, and resources to thousands of South Carolina families.
Every dollar raised helps create stronger connections, expand access to resources, and promote inclusion for children and adults with disabilities across our state.
Join Us
Mark your calendar for Sunday, November 1, 2026, and help us make this year’s Buddy Walk our biggest celebration yet.
Together, we’re building a community where every Buddy is seen, celebrated, and belongs.
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors:
The Family of Richard Perkins
