Celebrate. Connect. Belong. Buddy Walk Columbia, SC November 1, 2026

Buddy Walk
Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026 

Saluda Shoals Park, Columbia, SC 

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. 

Start a Team 

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 2025 Sponsors:

Zingers Fencing
Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union

Ongoing Sponsor:

DentaQuest-SunLifeCompany
R & J Masonry
Humana Healthy Connections South Carolina
Dominion Energy
South Carolina Department of Public Health
Great Southern Homes
Down Syndrmoe Families of the Midlands
Carolina EDC
SC Special Olympics
Wild Smiles Children's Dentistry
Martin Marietta
Captial Office products
lourie life health affordable insurance solutions
Beyond e.i
Little Johnny
bright start llc

The Family of
Richard B. Perkins

Nightingale's Nursing & Attendents
Philips Auto Tech
Amteck
Alliance for healthier South Carolina
Iron Legacy MC South Carolina
Jeff Cook Real Estate LPT Realty
Edible
Midlands Therapy Services
HealthLinks Magazine

2026 Event Sponsorship Opportunities