WHEREAS, approximately one in every 800 children are born with Down syndrome, representing approximately 5,000 births per year in the United States; and

        WHEREAS, research and early intervention have resulted in dramatic improvements in the lifespan and potential of those who are affected; and

        WHEREAS, people with Down syndrome possess a wide range of abilities and are active participants in educational, occupational, social and recreational circles of the community; and

        WHEREAS, the Treasure Valley Down Syndrome Association has been working for 20 years to educate and support parents and individuals with Down syndrome locally; and

        WHEREAS, in 1995 the National Down Syndrome Society developed the Buddy Walk, which has become an annual event in October in cities across the nation celebrating the accomplishments of children and adults with Down syndrome; and

        WHEREAS, the goal of the Buddy Walk, which will be held in Boise on October 13, is to promote increased understanding and acceptance of people with Down syndrome;

        Now, THEREFORE, I, C.L. “BUTCH” OTTER, Governor of the great State of Idaho, do hereby proclaim October 2007 as

DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH
 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Idaho at Boise, Idaho, on this 2nd day of October in the year of our Lord two-thousand and seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred thirty-second and of the Statehood of Idaho the one hundred eighteenth.

BEN YSURSA
SECRETARY OF STATE