Celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month with Our 2026 Buddy Walk Grand Marshal, Fritz Schloss!

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. A time to honor, advocate for, and celebrate the incredible contributions of individuals with Down syndrome in our communities. Here at the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia (DSANV), we can’t think of a better way to kick off this special month than by introducing the Grand Marshal for our upcoming Buddy Walk: Fritz Schloss!

If you know Fritz, you know he brings energy, joy, and plenty of enthusiasm wherever he goes. A long-time Arlington resident and Yorktown High School graduate, Fritz is a vibrant member of L'Arche Greater Washington, D.C., a community where people with and without intellectual disabilities share life together.

Now officially retired, Fritz knows how to enjoy the good life. You can often find him out shopping, dining at local spots, or hanging out with his friends. He’s also a big sports fan and a dedicated athlete, over the years, he’s competed in Special Olympics basketball and soccer, and he loves sports like boxing and sprinting.

If there’s one thing Fritz loves as much as sports, it’s medical shows. An avid fan of all things doctor, and hospital-related, he’s watched Grey’s Anatomy around 100 times!

Down Syndrome Awareness Month is all about fostering inclusion, lifting up self-advocates, and celebrating community, and Fritz embodies that spirit completely. As Fritz puts it when talking about leading this year's walk: “YEEEAAAHHH!!!!”

Celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month at the Buddy Walk!

Come cheer on Fritz, support self-advocates, and connect with our wonderful Northern Virginia community:

• Date: Saturday, October 10th

• Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

• Location: Lake Fairfax Park

• Exhibitor Highlight: Stop by and visit our friends from L'Arche Greater Washington, D.C., who will be exhibiting at the event!

Whether you’re walking, cheering, or connecting with local organizations, we can’t wait to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month with you. See you at Lake Fairfax Park!