Hundreds participate in 10th Annual Dash for Downs

  • A mob of kids sprint to start the kid’s fun run on Saturday, May 7.
    A mob of kids sprint to start the kid’s fun run on Saturday, May 7.
  • Macy Svec places a medal around James Leist’s neck during Saturday morning’s award ceremony.
    Macy Svec places a medal around James Leist’s neck during Saturday morning’s award ceremony.
  • Mike Taylor and his dog Dixie speed up to finish the Dash for Downs 5k.
    Mike Taylor and his dog Dixie speed up to finish the Dash for Downs 5k.

    The 10th Annual Dash for Downs flooded Yoakum’s streets with hundreds of runners to support the Down Syndrome Foundation of South Texas (DSFSTX) on Saturday, May 7.

     

    The 5k and fun run event hosted by Yoakum Shape Shop (YSS) weaved runners through downtown and other city streets while spectators cheered. The event attracted about 270 registrants, support from local businesses and dozens of volunteers from local organizations and departments. 

     

    YSS Owner and Dash for Downs organizer Kristy Svec explained after the runs that she was grateful for the turnout and thanked the volunteers, runners, and spectators who attended the event.

     

    “It was great. The community came out to support…” said Svec. ‘Thank you for supporting the Dash for Downs (and the) Down Syndrome Foundation.”

     

    Following the runs, Macy Svec assisted her mom with the awards ceremony by placing medals around the necks of the top finishers from each age group. 

     

    Since 2011, proceeds from Dash for Downs have supported DSFSTX, an organization that provides scholarships and services to individuals with Down syndrome and their families. 

     

    “I’ve seen them use the proceeds to benefit kids with special needs through therapies and activities,” Kristy Svec said in an April interview. “(Macy has) benefited from the therapies she’s received - horse riding therapy, speech therapy - (DSFSTX supports) all that.”

     

    The event marked another successful 5k and fun run that united hundreds of community members while raising money for a worthy cause. 

     

    “It was a complete success. I think everybody had a great time…” said Crystal Blakeney, who assisted during the runs at the finish. “To see Macy run (across) the finish line was really inspiring; it warms my heart.”