Three years ago, Will and Brandy Cox’s son Logan was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. That same year, they held the first Walk for Down Syndrome in the Neepawa area. Now, in 2022, they are holding the third annual event, with all proceeds going to the Manitoba Down Syndrome Society.

This year, the walk is taking place not in town but along the Langford Trails, an all-season recreation area about five miles outside of Neepawa with hiking trails in the summertime and ski trails in the winter alongside other outdoor activities. Part of the reason for that, says Langford Trails Association head Muriel Gamey, is to encourage people to look up and look around while they’re walking, especially since many of the participants are children. As well, the outdoor trails provide a different sensory experience to the sights and sounds of a downtown area.

The association has even set up activities along the trail to keep kids (and adults) engaged as they go, with questions and trivia about the natural world around them. Gamey jokes that she might even give them a pop quiz before they get to enjoy their lunch after the walk.

The Cox Family thanks all the sponsors of the event, including Neepawa-Gladstone Co-op, Safeway, and Giant Tiger for their donations to the meal. Following the walk, all attendees gather for a weiner roast at the trailhead.

A little over fifty people showed up to participate this year. At the time of the walk, Logan had raised over 120% of his fundraising goal, and contributions were still ongoing.

Approximately one in 800 babies born in Canada has Down Syndrome. The Manitoba Down Syndrome Society provides information and support for families, and opportunities for people with Down Syndrome as well as ongoing advocacy efforts.