Community comes together for 5K to raise money for Down syndrome education

Runners, volunteers, and families took part in a 5K at Elevation Blakeney on Saturday to help raise money for Down syndrome education and retreats.

The event is called “3-2-1 Dash for Down Syndrome” because people with Down syndrome have three copies of the 21st chromosome. The name also honors World Down Syndrome Day, which is on March 21.

One organizer told Channel 9 the event is all about making those with Down syndrome feel special.

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“We come together for one purpose, to serve our awesome kids that have down syndrome and make sure they have as much inclusion as possible,” said Vicki Coles of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte.

More than 300 runners showed up for the event, surpassing last year’s total.

The organization is just a few hundred dollars away from reaching its $8,000 goal.

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