Down Syndrome Buddy Walk 2009

As was the case last year, this year R2 came out, along with several other droids and Star Wars characters, to support fellow R2 Builder Matthew Henricks' son Trevor for the 2009 Down Syndrome Buddy Walk at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA.



Once again, the group was able to change in the room that is normally reserved for the players' families.




After everyone was suited up, we headed for the concourse in front of the stadium, for photos and to await the crowd.



The makeshift memorial that fans set up on the "mound" area in front of the stadium to remember former Angel pitcher Nick Adenhart, who was killed along with two friends by a drunk driver earlier this year, is still maintained.



Droids in attendance were supplied by Ken Stubbert, Jerry Chevalier, William & Nikki Miyamoto and me. (R2 Builder Mike Senna was a stormtrooper and the 501st point of contact for this event.) Matthew Henricks also had his droid inside the stadium.



The Army had a couple of Humvees on site, and invited the characters over.



Soon, the thousands of Buddy Walkers descended upon us, and it was picture-taking time.






After the walkers passed, we retreated back to the room for lunch, and then it was out onto the playing field itself for a final group picture.



The full photoset is here.