Jason Freimanis and his family have a very personal connection with the Down Syndrome Association of Sudbury’s annual Buddy Walk.
Freimanis, an officer with the Greater Sudbury Police Service, and his wife, Tania, are parents to three boys, Josh, 9, Cael, 6, and Liam, 2. Liam was born with Down syndrome, but the couple said their son has given the family a new outlook on life.
File photo
It’s lessons like this that the Freimanis family hopes to spread through the DSAS’ fifth annual Buddy Walk, Nov. 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lockerby Composite School on Ramsey Lake Road. Sudbury’s Buddy Walk recognizes National Down Syndrome Awareness Week, which this year started Nov. 1 and runs until Nov. 7. One of its goals is to give people a new outlook on Down syndrome.
And a local girl is helping to do just that across the entire country. Holly Wright, 12, is featured in a national billboard campaign organized by the Canadian Down Syndrome Society to promote the awareness week.
There is no obligation to raise funds for the DSAS, but if anyone wishes to collect pledges, they are welcome to do so, Freimanis said. In addition to the walk, the event will feature special guests from the Sudbury Wolves, door prizes, refreshments and activities. Greater Sudbury Police chief Frank Elsner and his wife will join Freimanis and his family for the walk.
Posted by Jenny Jelen
