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COUNCIL BLUFFS — At 10 a.m. sharp on Saturday, any rain in the area stayed away and the sun even peeked through the clouds.

The result was ideal conditions for a special event that’s grown bigger each year.

The Buddy Walk, sponsored by the Southwest Iowa Down Syndrome Parent Group, brought nearly 1,000 people to the Iowa School for the Deaf. An estimated 700 attended last year’s walk.

“It’s just amazing,” said Shannon Stafford, a spokeswoman for the group. “It’s great community support.”

The purpose of this event, held annually for at least 15 years now, is to create awareness of those with Down syndrome and their inclusion into normal daily society.

“They can do anything with love and support,” said Stafford, whose daughter, Kennedy, has Down syndrome.

Dawn Bonsall, a co-president, added, “I believe there’s more acceptance now.”

Andy Murray, who also has Down syndrome and was a speaker at Saturday’s event, said, “People need to accept those with disabilities.”