Rigley Bowar of Brandon, South Dakota will appear in the bright lights of Broadway on Saturday, September 12, as part of the National Down Syndrome Society’s annual Times Square Video presentation. The featured photographs highlight children, teens, and adults with Down syndrome, reminding the world in a very big way about the contributions and milestones of people with Down syndrome. These collective images promote the value, acceptance, and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.
“This video is a terrific way to showcase some of the incredible individuals with Down syndrome living in our communities across the country,” says NDSS President & CEO Kandi Pickard. “It is something the community looks forward to every year.”
The photo of Rigley was selected as one of 500 photographs that will appear in the video, streamed on NDSS social media from the heart of Times Square. Rigley is pictured enjoying time in his hammock in the first part of the video (will be played alphabetically by last name).
The Times Square Video presentation kicks off Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October. The video presentation will be followed by the New York City Buddy Walk, which will take place virtually due to COVID-19. Buddy Walk events will be held virtually in more than 150 cities across the country, as well as select international locations, this fall with over 325,000 people participating around the globe.
New Directions Down Syndrome Association (NDDSA) of Sioux Falls, SD has decided to cancel the 20th annual Buddy Walk this year due to Covid-19. Unfortunately, this will mark the second year in a row of not being able to hold our Buddy Walk, which happens to be the main fundraiser the organization does (last year was due to tornado damage). If you so feel inclined to donate to support Rigley and his buddies, please visit.
ABOUT NDDSA
New Directions provides information about Down syndrome, direction to resources, and networking opportunities. Programs and Services include: Expectant and New Parent Packets, Family Events, Online Support, Buddy Walk, Financial Assistance Program, Regional Conference. The organization strives to enhance the lives of individuals with Down syndrome throughout their lifespan by providing support, information and education to those individuals, their families, and professionals. New Directions also seeks to provide the entire community with information and education to broaden awareness and foster positive attitudes regarding individuals with Down syndrome. Our membership includes more than 250 families from South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa, and is constantly growing! Our mailing list of over 1,500 names consists of medical professionals, Family Support Coordinators, teachers, therapists, family and friends. All of these people have been touched by individuals with Down syndrome and wish to stay updated on New Directions’ events. New Directions is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization funded by private support from individuals, foundations, community organizations and fundraising efforts.
ABOUT NDSS
The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome. NDSS programming includes the National Advocacy & Policy Center, which seeks to create systemic change through engaged advocacy; the National Buddy Walk® Program, which honors and celebrates individuals with Down syndrome in local communities across the world, and other programs that provide support, informational resources and community engagement opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and those who love and support for them. Visit www.ndss.org for more information about NDSS programs and resources.