After the 2025 Dash when the rain poured and poured and poured, this year’s Dash for Down Syndrome felt like something entirely different. Don’t get us wrong, the rain brought an element of fun, whimsy, and unforgettable memories to last year’s event that will always hold a special place in our hearts. There was something magical about watching our community embrace every puddle, every raindrop, and every moment together. This year, though, felt like a rebirth.

The sun shone brightly over Kauffman Park as our community gathered once again. Friends. Families. Neighbors. Coworkers. Runners. Walkers. Volunteers. Sponsors. Anyone and everyone came together to celebrate the incredible individuals with Down syndrome who make our world brighter.

Every year we say it, and every year it’s true: if you’ve never been to our Dash for Down Syndrome, you’ve been missing out. It isn’t just one of our favorite days of the year; it’s one of the favorite days of the year for so many who attend. We hear it from families. We hear it from volunteers. We hear it from community members who may not have had any connection to Down syndrome before attending, but after dashing alongside our families year after year, they do. They become part of this community, too.

This year was no different. The Dash is more than just a run, it is a celebration of acceptance, achievement, and the incredible individuals with Down syndrome who inspire our community every day. It is also our largest fundraiser of the year, helping ensure that every educational, therapeutic, and career-development program at GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland remains completely free for the 665+ families we serve throughout Northeast Ohio.

The energy throughout the park was contagious on June 13th. Families reunited with friends, teams proudly gathered under decorated tents, participants crossed the finish line to cheers and applause, and supporters of all ages came together to demonstrate what true acceptance looks like.

A day of this magnitude would not be possible without the support of countless individuals and organizations. Together, our community raised over $156,000 to ensure that GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland can continue delivering life-changing programs at no cost to families.

While that number is incredible, what leaves a lasting effect most are the moments: the smiles at the finish line, the pride of our participants, the laughter between teammates, and the overwhelming feeling of belonging that filled the park all morning long. We also could not make our 2026 Dash for Down Syndrome the success it was without the many helping hands involved.

Thank You!

To our incredible volunteers, thank you for the countless hours spent planning, setting up, registering participants, directing traffic, handing out medals, cleaning up, and doing 321 behind-the-scenes tasks that often go unnoticed. Your dedication is the heartbeat of this event.

We are beyond grateful to the organizations that made our event a success! Run the Land CLE for helping us create a first-class race experience and the Lakewood Police Department for ensuring the safety of all. Empower Customs for creating the 2026 Dash Day Tee of our dreams, and Tony Anzalone for crafting the colorful additions to our Dash trophies. Emilie’s Coffee House for helping fuel the morning and the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities teams behind the universal changing station and mobile sensory station. Glitter Girlz Nation for adding an extra touch of sparkle and fun, and the Lakewood Cheerleaders for bringing unmatched energy to the finish line. Together, these partners helped create a welcoming, memorable experience for everyone who joined us.

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We would also like to extend our gratitude to the non-profits who celebrated alongside us: Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio, Connecting for Kids, Best Buddies, and Camp Christopher. These organizations are fierce advocates who share a common mission of creating a more inclusive, supportive, and accessible world. While each organization breaks down barriers in its own unique way, they are united in empowering individuals and families to thrive.

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Thank you to Markus Photography for capturing so many incredible photos from this day! You can see ALL the Dash Day photos by clicking the tab below:

2026 Dash for Down Syndrome Photos

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We are deeply grateful to our presenting and supporting sponsors, including Nordson Adhesive, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital for Rehabilitation, Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Akron Children’s Hospital, Lakewood Public Library, Empower Sports, Voodoo Tuna, Lorco Data, First Federal Lakewood, Trikeable Treats, Kesselman Wealth Management, First National Bank, Connecting for Kids, and Carlisle Creamery.

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Finally, we extend our deepest gratitude to EVERY. SINGLE. PERSON. who attended, donated, volunteered, sponsored, or cheered us on from afar. Together, we raised necessary funds to continue providing life-changing therapeutic, educational, and career development programs completely free of charge. The most important thing we accomplished, though, wasn’t measured in dollars.

For one beautiful morning, our entire community came together to show the world exactly what we already know: individuals with Down syndrome are capable, brilliant, athletic, determined, kind, funny, resilient, and amazing.

While the Dash is about fundraising, there is much more to this special day. It’s about awareness.IT’s about celebration. It’s about acceptance. It’s about advocacy. It’s about belonging.

And on this perfect blue-sky day, surrounded by a community built on love, belonging was everywhere.

Until next year, Cleveland.

Donations for this event can still be made! You can do so by clicking the tab below: