Wil Sykes, a Blue Valley Northwest freshman, made his mark on New York City last month.
A photo of Wil, a person with Down syndrome, appeared on two jumbotrons in Times Square on Sept. 12 as part of the National Down Syndrome Society’s Annual Buddy Walk and an accompanying Times Square video presentation.
Wil’s photo was one of 500 chosen among almost 3,000 worldwide submissions. It’s the second time his photo has been chosen, Wil’s mother, Kim Sykes, said, but the first time his photo was selected was during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For Kim, Wil’s feature in the presentation is “an honor.”
“It’s a big celebration, just for education, advocacy and inclusion, and awareness about Down syndrome,” Kim said.
Now, a few weeks after the Sykes returned to Kansas, the family and an estimated 3,000 other people are preparing for a similar fundraiser for Mission-based Down Syndrome Innovations, which Wil and his family are associated with. This is the same nonprofit serving individuals with Down syndrome that partnered with the 2026 FIFA World Cup earlier this summer.
For the 31st year in a row, Down Syndrome Innovations is hosting its Step Up for Down Syndrome walk from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Kauffman Stadium.
“Advocacy for inclusion” is at the core of the walk
On Sept. 12, for one hour, a presentation of 500 photos of people with Down syndrome played in Times Square in New York City.
More than 2,700 people from across the world submitted photos of people with Down syndrome for the presentation.
In the end, 500 people from all 50 U.S. states and from 12 countries were represented — including the only Johnson Countian, Wil, and three others from the Kansas City metro area.
Kim said the trip itself was exciting, and Wil was thrilled to see himself on the jumbotrons.
The Sykeses participated in the buddy walk to Central Park, too, which took place immediately after the Times Square presentation.
Kim said the walk is a fundraiser for the National Down Syndrome Society, but it’s also a time to celebrate “people with Down syndrome, what it means, their families, and advocating for inclusion.”
“Just like any other person, (people with Down syndrome) have goals and dreams and just want to be treated like anybody else regardless of their abilities or lack thereof,” Kim said.
DSI in Mission is hosting its own fundraiser
On Saturday, Oct. 3, Mission-based Down Syndrome Innovations is hosting its 31st Annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kauffman Stadium, an expected 3,000 people will gather to celebrate people with Down syndrome, said Jennifer Dreiling, DSI’s president and chief executive officer.
The event features family-friendly activities like live music, dancing, bounce houses, games and food, in addition to the ceremonial walk where families and friends honor their loved ones with Down syndrome.
It is DSI’s largest annual fundraising event, Dreiling said. There is no connection to the Buddy Walk benefiting the National Down Syndrome Society.
The walk also fosters community for families like the Sykes who are connected to the organization, which serves people with Down syndrome at all stages of life — from expecting parents to aging adults, Dreiling said.
“It’s ultimately a day for families to connect, celebrate, awareness and advocacy for people with Down syndrome, that they are meaningful, purposeful, wonderful people that have so much value here,” Dreiling said.
There is a similar walk in central Missouri, Dreiling said, where DSI has a footprint.
How to get involved with DSI
Online registration for the walk on Oct. 3 remains open until 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2. Day-of registration is also an option, though commemorative shirts are not guaranteed.
The money from the fundraiser on Saturday will go toward DSI’s lifespan services, which includes employment, adult continuing education, fitness and nutrition programs, therapies and mental health services and more.
Those who are interested in joining DSI’s community for services for a person with Down syndrome can find out more online here.
Outside of Saturday’s fundraiser, Dreiling said the public can get involved through donations or volunteer opportunities listed on the nonprofit’s website here.
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