Event Information

The DSACO Festival & 5K will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at the Myriad Botanical Gardens. Join us and help celebrate the abilities of those with Down syndrome.

Each year, DSACO holds its annual Down Syndrome Festival & 5K. This event gives the association and our families the chance to raise awareness about Down syndrome and is the main fundraising event for the organization. All money raised will stay in the central Oklahoma area to fund the many programs, activities, and services.


The event is free and open to the public. The 5k begins at 8:20 a.m at the Myriad Botanical Gardens with our annual 5K. The Awareness Walk will start at the intersection of Hudson Ave. and Sheridan Ave. at 9:45 a.m. Immediately following, join us at the Myriad Gardens for festival activities, which include raffles, moon bounces, a petting zoo, games, music, and much more.

Event Schedule

7:00-8:00 am: Registration/Check-in
 8:00 am: 1-Mile Fun Run
8:20 am: 5k Begins
9:45 am: Awareness Walk
10:00 am: Festival Begins
12:00 pm: Raffle Drawing

Virtual 5k Option

This year, we will also have a virtual 5k option that will allow runners to support DSACO while running the race at a time and place which is convenient and safe to them. Virtual 5k runners will receive a t-shirt and medal same as those who choose to run the 5k in person.


Start Your Team Today!
Family members, friends, and co-workers are forming teams to walk, raise money and celebrate people with Down syndrome. Select a team name and start raising money by conducting a social media or e-mail campaign, asking for donations online, and recruiting as many walkers and runners as possible. Many teams bring team posters or wear team t-shirts for the walk. Register your team by completing the enclosed Team Registration Form and mailing it to the DSACO office or by registering online at www.dsfestivaland5k.com. Once registered, you can start collecting donations online, by cash, check, or credit card. Please contact Sarah Soell at 405-600-9981 or info@dsaco.org with any questions.

Who do the proceeds benefit?
All proceeds raised from the Festival and 5K will benefit the families the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma serves. Our mission is "to raise awareness and provide resources, as well as promote acceptance and inclusion for people with Down syndrome."

We accomplish these goals through a number of programs including:

Free tutoring services and speech therapy for individuals with Down syndrome
Microwave-based cooking classes for teens and adult
New parent packets and quarterly new parent breakfasts
Parent-to-parent support meetings
Workshops for parents, self-advocates, and educators
Scholarships for families to attend national conventions
Education and medical outreach initiatives
Family and teen/adult events and programs 

 

As always, we will continue to further our mission of promoting acceptance and inclusion!

 

For additional information, please visit the FAQ page or email info@dsaco.org  

THANK YOU for supporting DSACO's mission to 
"raise awareness and provide resources, as well as promote acceptance and inclusion for people with Down syndrome."