{"id":142080,"date":"2026-02-23T13:20:46","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T18:20:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/?p=142080"},"modified":"2026-03-12T13:47:58","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T17:47:58","slug":"step-up-stand-out-and-celebrate-what-to-expect-at-our-5k-wdsd-festival","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/uncategorized\/step-up-stand-out-and-celebrate-what-to-expect-at-our-5k-wdsd-festival","title":{"rendered":"Step Up, Stand Out, and Celebrate: What to Expect at Our 5K &amp; WDSD Festival"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our upcoming 5K and World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) celebration is more than just a race \u2014 it\u2019s a day filled with inclusion, joy, and community. Join us March 21, World Down Syndrome Day, as we come together to celebrate ability, acceptance, and the incredible individuals who make our community strong.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2026\/02\/start.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"667\" height=\"445\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2026\/02\/start-edited.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-142093\" style=\"width:540px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2026\/02\/start-edited.jpg 667w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2026\/02\/start-edited-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 667px) 100vw, 667px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The starting line of our 2025 5K<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 5K begins at 2:00 PM, with registration opening at 1:00 PM, giving everyone time to check in, get settled, get their swag, and soak in the excitement before the starting line. Our 1 Mile event will start at 3:00pm with our Dash for Down syndrome taking off at 3:30pm. Be sure to stay for our awards ceremony and WDSD celebration to follow!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2026\/02\/Lucas-resized.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2026\/02\/Lucas-resized-684x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-142096\" style=\"width:226px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2026\/02\/Lucas-resized-684x1024.jpg 684w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2026\/02\/Lucas-resized-201x300.jpg 201w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2026\/02\/Lucas-resized-768x1149.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2026\/02\/Lucas-resized.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 684px) 100vw, 684px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Course Designed for Everyone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This year\u2019s course was intentionally planned to be welcoming and accessible for participants of all abilities. The route at <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/cp7v4i1mFXsQ9UKM8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cauley Creek Park<\/a> is flat and easy to navigate, following a smooth rubberized trail that\u2019s gentle on runners, walkers, strollers, and wheelchairs alike! <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2026\/02\/Cauley-Creek-Park-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2026\/02\/Cauley-Creek-Park-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-142090\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2026\/02\/Cauley-Creek-Park-1.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2026\/02\/Cauley-Creek-Park-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Along the way, you\u2019ll find:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dog waste stations for participants bringing their four-legged supporters<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cheer squads stationed throughout the route to keep energy high<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Volunteers from the Atlanta Track Club, serving as running buddies for individuals with Down syndrome and offering encouragement along both the 5K and the Mile. (You can sign up for a buddy when you register)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This event is about finishing together \u2014 not finishing first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Shirt with Meaning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This year\u2019s race shirt carries a special message rooted in the Down syndrome community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The design highlights three socks, symbolizing the three copies of the 21st chromosome that define Down syndrome. Wearing crazy socks on World Down Syndrome Day is a global tradition, and we love seeing our community step out in bright colors and bold patterns. We&#8217;re so excited to share that every participant will be gifted a pair of crazy socks (courtesy of Beazer Homes) to wear during the event to\u00a0highlight that being different can be beautiful and unique.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2026\/02\/ATL-5K-Shirt-Design-2026-1.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"929\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2026\/02\/ATL-5K-Shirt-Design-2026-1-929x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-142095\" style=\"width:350px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2026\/02\/ATL-5K-Shirt-Design-2026-1-929x1024.png 929w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2026\/02\/ATL-5K-Shirt-Design-2026-1-272x300.png 272w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2026\/02\/ATL-5K-Shirt-Design-2026-1-768x846.png 768w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2026\/02\/ATL-5K-Shirt-Design-2026-1.png 1062w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 929px) 100vw, 929px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019re also proud to spotlight the talented artists behind this year\u2019s design: GiGi Prep participants, Kendall, Katie, and Myles. Their creativity helped turn this shirt into something truly meaningful \u2014 a wearable reminder of acceptance, individuality, and celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2026\/02\/Kelly-designing-resize.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"982\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2026\/02\/Kelly-designing-resize-982x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-142153\" style=\"width:339px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2026\/02\/Kelly-designing-resize-982x1024.jpg 982w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2026\/02\/Kelly-designing-resize-288x300.jpg 288w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2026\/02\/Kelly-designing-resize-768x801.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2026\/02\/Kelly-designing-resize.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 982px) 100vw, 982px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Katie uses her phone to check her spelling of &#8220;Happy World Down Syndrome Day&#8221; on her sock!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stay for the World Down Syndrome Day Festival<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you cross the finish line, the celebration continues with our WDSD festival \u2014 a lively gathering full of food, fun, and community partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019re thrilled to welcome:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.candidlykind.com\/our-story\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Candidly Kind<\/strong> <\/a>&#8211; Grace Key is coming back to town with her custom shirts!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kingofpops.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">King of Pops<\/a><\/strong> serving their famous handcrafted popsicles courtesy of GiGi&#8217;s Playhouse Atlanta<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/brightsidecafebuford.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Brightside Caf\u00e9<\/a><\/strong> with delicious beverages and snacks served by empowered employees with special needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/chcatlanta.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Children Helping Children<\/a><\/strong>, climb aboard their Love Train for activities, compassion, and fun!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Activities for All Ages<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bring the whole family and enjoy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Face painting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inflatables<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cornhole and lawn games<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you want to relax or burn off post-race energy, there\u2019s something for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Entertainment to Keep the Party Going<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The stage will be full of movement and music celebrating World Down Syndrome Day! Our schedule of entertainers is as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>4:00 Atlanta Dance Central &#8211;  teen Physio Jazz dance group performance followed by their adult group<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4:15 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aaucmty.com\/blank-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Angels Among Us Cheerleaders<\/a> bringing spirit and excitement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4:30 A high-energy Zumba session led by our own Elisha McKenzie, a certified instructor who also has Down syndrome<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4:40 Performances from GA Tech&#8217;s Down to Dance, celebrating confidence, expression, and joy through dance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>DJ keeping the mood high!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Join Us on March 21 \u2014 Register Today<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">World Down Syndrome Day is a time to stand up for inclusion, celebrate individuality, and show the world what acceptance looks like in action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you plan to run, walk, cheer, or simply celebrate with us at the festival, your participation helps us continue providing life-changing programs and opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome in our community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.donordrive.com\/atlanta-5k-26\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Register today, invite your friends, form a team, and be part of a day that celebrates every voice and every ability.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>We can\u2019t wait to see you at the starting line on March 21!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Our upcoming 5K and World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) celebration is more than just a race \u2014 it\u2019s a day filled with inclusion, joy, and community. Join us March 21, World Down Syndrome Day, as we come together to celebrate ability, acceptance, and the incredible individuals who make our community strong. The 5K begins at&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1619,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-142080","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/142080","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1619"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=142080"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/142080\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=142080"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=142080"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=142080"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}