HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The 18th annual Step UP for Down Syndrome 5K and Family Festival took place on Saturday to raise money towards education, resources and care for the Down Syndrome community. The Step UP for Down Syndrome 5K was hosted by the Virginia Down Syndrome Association on Saturday, Oct. 12 at Dorey Park. The association aims to help provide lifelong support, educational tools and social programs to people with Down Syndrome and their loved ones. With 8News as a partial sponsor of the race, participants might have also seen Stormtracker 8 Meteorologist Matt DiNardo as he emceed the event and kept the energy up while racers crossed the finish line. 8News also spoke with Michael Baum, the Executive Director at Virginia Down Syndrome Association, about what an event like this provides for the community. "What a great opportunity for everyone to come out, support those with individuals with Down Syndrome, but also to show how important it is for the community and inclusive and to be out here together having a great time," Baum said. "Because there's so many families out here just from the general community that are here to support the organization." For more information about the Virginia Down Syndrome Association and how to support the cause, visit their website. Continue scrolling to see photos from the community event. (Photo courtesy of William Berksteiner, 8News) (Photo courtesy of William Berksteiner, 8News) (Photo courtesy of William Berksteiner, 8News) (Photo courtesy of William Berksteiner, 8News) (Photo courtesy of William Berksteiner, 8News) (Photo courtesy of William Berksteiner, 8News) (Photo courtesy of William Berksteiner, 8News) (Photo courtesy of William Berksteiner, 8News) (Photo courtesy of William Berksteiner, 8News) (Photo courtesy of William Berksteiner, 8News)