Five RGDSN Members Represent in NYC’s Times Square

Five of RGDSN's own shined under the bright lights of Times Square on Saturday, September 6, as part of the annual National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Times Square Video presentation. The one-hour video of 500+ photographs includes children, teens, and adults with Down syndrome from all 50 states and 14 countries. These collective images highlight individuals with Down syndrome in the most visible way on two screens in the heart of Times Square. 

Photos of members John Cordova, Brandon Halfacre, Riley Martin, Samaya Thomas and Amira Valdez were selected from nearly 3000 entries in the NDSS worldwide call for photos. The photos were shown on two jumbotron screens in the world-famous Time Square in New York City. The presentation was livestreamed on the NDSS Facebook page but some families traveled to see the presentation in person.

The annual Times Square Video presentation kicks off the New York City Buddy Walk® which takes place at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park. The flagship Buddy Walk® has taken place in New York City since 1995 as part of the National Buddy Walk® Program. Over 150 Buddy Walk® events are held in communities across the country and select international locations.

What a wonderful way to see New Mexico represented on a national stage and to help kick off our own Buddy Walk celebrations this month. And congratulations to Amira, Samaya, Riley, Brandon and John and their families.