Riding for World Down Syndrome Day

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

The second-annual Up with Down Bike Ride drew 53 riders Saturday, March 22, in honor or World Down Syndrome Day. The event, put on by the Fun Coast Down Syndrome Association, quadrupled its attendance from last year.

“The key with World Down Syndrome Day is one of awareness and again teaching the community that people with Down syndrome are more alike than different,” said Paula Wilburn, founder of Fun Coast Down Syndrome.

In addition to bringing awareness to the Flagler County community, the event also raised funds to put on a summer bike camp for children with disabilities.

Using light-weight Strider balance bikes, the five day camp will teach children how to ride and allow them to take the bike home with them.

“The people at Strider came up the statistic that only 10% of people with Down syndrome ever learn to ride a bike because of the problems they have with balance,” Wilburn said.

The camp is designed to work on balance and get self-confidence up.

“It’s exciting to me that in the 11 years I’ve had the organization going, I see people with Down syndrome out in the community more involved, I see them not being isolated in things and events that are simply for people with special needs,” Wilburn said. “I see them out on the ball fields, and I’m seeing the community open up and I guess be more accepting.”