News Release

Kingston Resident Raises Awareness
About Down Syndrome
with Second-Annual Hike to Help

September 15, 2006

CALGARY, Alta. (Sept. 15, 2006) - Kingston resident Kyle Ballantyne is helping to raise awareness about Down syndrome - all by taking a "Hike to Help."

Kyle is hiking in support of the Canadian Down Syndrome Society and his brother, Jacob, who has Down syndrome. The First-Annual Hike to Help in 2004 saw Kyle hiking from Kingston to Ottawa along the Rideau Trail.

This year, the 20-year-old will begin his journey on September 18 in Kingston, hiking through Toronto, Hamilton, St. Catharine's, and on to Niagara Falls by October 14.

Kyle began the Hike to Help to raise awareness about Down syndrome and the abilities and contributions of people like his brother.

"My eight-year-old brother, Jacob, is the anchor in our family," says Kyle. "He reminds each of us, every day, that he loves us, and that we should be there for one another."

Kyle will hike about 20 kilometres per day on his trek through trails, back roads and along Highway 2 through Southern Ontario. He will hike through Napanee on September 20, Belleville by September 23, Toronto by October 1, Hamilton on October 3, St. Catharine's by October 10, arriving in Niagara Falls on October 14.

Krista J. Flint, CDSS Executive Director, says Kyle's dedication to the organization and raising awareness about Down syndrome is extraordinary.

"Kyle's commitment to this event is amazing; one that inspires the CDSS and families across the country with a child with Down syndrome," says Flint. "Not only will he raise awareness about his brother Jacob, Kyle will show Ontarians and others across the nation that Down syndrome is something to be celebrated."

The Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS) is a vital resource linking individuals, parents and professionals through advocacy, education and providing information. The mission of the CDSS is to ensure equitable opportunities for all Canadians with Down syndrome. This means, to make sure all Canadians with Down syndrome have the right supports to give them the same opportunities that everyone else has. Our vision is a proud Canada where ALL are welcome, we embrace diversity and we value everyone's genes equally.

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For further information:
Lindsay Heintz
Marketing and Communications Manager
Canadian Down Syndrome Society
(403) 669-2832

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