EDINBORO, Pa. (Oct. 10, 2012) – Members of the Edinboro swimming team recently took some time out of their busy pre-season schedule to benefit those battling Down Syndrome in the region at the 13^th annual Buddy Walk held in the Junker Center at Penn State Behrend.

Twelve Fighting Scots swimmers and coaches were part of the over 400 participants that turned out early on Sunday morning to participate in the walk, held by the Down Syndrome Group of Erie County at Penn State Behrend. The organization meets monthly throughout the year to provide support and resources for the parents of local children with Down Syndrome.  The swimmers who participated include Julie Moretti, Mackenzie Wargo, Alexis Berdine, Staci Schrecongost, Mallory Waldinger, Sarah Weeks, Ashley Aldan, Natalie Smith, Frank Thatcher, Jared Malecki, Adam Cvetich, and Thomas McElhaney  

Erie is one of more than 300 communities across the nation to take part in the Buddy Walk program, developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995. This year, organizers were hoping to raise around $8,000 to benefit those with Down Syndrome. 

The Buddy Walk donates all proceeds from those taking part to support local programs for individuals born with Down Syndrome. Money raised also goes toward support for school services as well as advocacy and awareness efforts.