By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News

A big Down syndrome awareness gathering in honor of the late Sammy Sartoris is happening in downtown Pontiac Saturday.

The sixth annual Sammy Sartoris T-21 Walk  and Fun Run for Down Syndrome Awareness and Support is in honor of the young man who, even though he had many difficulties with his health throughout his short life, is still touching people through his family and friend’s work. His mother, Mary Ann, describes this year’s event.

“We start off with children’s games at 11:30 and Gary House will be singing starting at 11:30 downtown on the square. And this year, we’re starting Buddy Teams. We still have individual walkers and runners, but now we have Buddy Teams. They consist of a two-person team, one of which has a disability. This is to promote friendships and relationships,” Sartoris said.

For more information, visit sammysartoris-t21.org. Sartoris will be a guest on the Community Forum at 5:45 Thursday morning.