SCHENECTADY — Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin’s national celebrity is bringing attention to Down syndrome, and advocates for people with the condition said Sunday they’re pleased.

Diane Lang is executive director of the Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center in Albany, which organized a Buddy Walk in Schenectady’s Central Park Sunday.

She said Palin’s candid discussions about her infant son has people asking questions about Down syndrome, which is a genetic, chromosomal disorder.

“People are wondering about Down syndrome and asking questions. Putting it in the spotlight helps us all to dispel myths about the condition and raise awareness,” Lang said.

She said the resource center has been getting a lot of calls seeking more information about the condition that, among other things, causes developmental delay.

“Our organization doesn’t take a political stand, but we see Gov. Palin’s candidacy as an opportunity to educate the public,” Lang said.

Sunday afternoon nearly 600 people participated in the walk around Central Park.

Lang said the afternoon event, which included entertainment and food in the park pavilion, was not a fundraiser for the organization this year, but probably will be in the future.

“I think we will have walkers collect pledges next year,” she said. “We’ve held the walk other years in other venues, including the Malta Town Park, the Colonie Town Park and the Corning Preserve in Albany.”

She said October is Down Syndrome Month and walks are held around the country in support of families.

Laurie Ogden of Schenectady and her 15-year-old daughter Stephanie were among the participants Sunday.

Ogden said Stephanie enjoys dance classes and attending baseball games, and the walk was one of many activities the family participates in through the resource center.

“This is the first time we’ve been involved in the walk, but Stephanie loves to socialize,” her mother said.

Kandi Terry helped to organize Sunday’s events.

She said her son, Nathan, was born with Down syndrome nine months ago and has taught her that “DS” as she refers to the condition, is actually a blessing to a family.

“Children born with Down syndrome deserve every opportunity life offers, no matter the personal challenges they face,” she said. “These children may need a little more help, but they can live independently and contribute to society just the same.”

According to the National Down Syndrome Congress, approximately 5,000 American babies a year are born with the genetic condition.