WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY

Today is World Down Syndrome Day!

Having a mentally and phisically disabled brother myself (not with Down Syndrome) I got in touch with a lot of adults and kids with the Down Syndrome over the years. Many of them lived with him in the same homes.

Also in my direct environment I have known our friend Patrick for about 30 years. His family and mine used to spend some weeks at a beach resort in Spain for many many years in the past.


Patrick is one of the biggest fans of our mardi gras band "De Rammen" at the annual "Kleintje Carnaval" event.


He is always on stage throughout the performance of every band there, neatly dressed as Prince Carnaval and singing along in his microphone or waving his baton.

Patrick with our band at this year's "Kleintje Carnaval"

Some background about the World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD)...

The date was chosen to signify the uniqueness of Down syndrome in the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome and is used synonymously with Down syndrome.


Singapore was selected to launch the inaugural WDSD in 2006. The event, held at the CHIJ Secondary School in Toa Payoh, in the heartlands of Singapore was very successful and well attended. Many other organisations worldwide joined in the celebrations with events and activities in their respective countries.


This year the theme for 21 March 2007 is "Celebrating Diversity", to continue creating awareness about Down syndrome and promote acceptance of diversity. All Down Syndrome Internaional (DSI) members and related organisations worldwide are encouraged to observe the WDSD together with the community in an appropriate manner.


DSI President Josephine Mills stated: "It is hoped that this day will gradually become better known and celebrated world wide to enhance people’s knowledge and appreciation of people with Down syndrome."


And she's very right!!!

Enjoy,


HK