On Saturday, July 14th Local parents involved with the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Toledo (DSAGT) hosted the 5th Anniversary of “Get Dirty for Downs” Mud Volleyball Tournament at the Ada War Memorial Park in Ada, close to the Ohio Northern University campus. The tournament drew in participants from all over Northwest Ohio.
“This mud volleyball tournament is a fantastic way to not only raise much-needed funds to develop our supportive programs for families that have loved ones with Down syndrome, but it is also crucial in helping to spread awareness of our organization to hopefully allow us to serve even more families in the southern-most counties we serve,” says Renee Canfield, Executive Director at the DSAGT. “It is important for the community to know that all money raised at this tournament stays completely local.”
Participants were definitely not afraid to get dirty for the cause!
On a mission
The mission of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Toledo is to empower all individuals with Down syndrome to achieve their goals and reach their fullest potential by providing support, education and advocacy not only for them, but also their families and communities. DSAGT envisions a community where all individuals with Down syndrome are accepted, included and given limitless opportunities to pursue their dreams as respected members of society. They serve families residing in 17 counties throughout Northwest Ohio, totaling nearly 400 individuals with Down syndrome.
Since mid-June, DSAGT has been involved in multiple events in addition to the Mud Volleyball Tournament that have benefited the organization. All of the events were planned and coordinated by parents and siblings of individuals with Down syndrome. These families have put their whole hearts into raising both funds and awareness throughout Northwest Ohio communities. All efforts combined raised over $40,000!
For more information, including a detailed resource guide, visit dsagt.org and “Down Syndrome Association of Greater Toledo” on Facebook