World Down Syndrome Day

DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS WEEK 21^st - 27^th March

Down Syndrome Awareness week takes place on 21^st-27^th March 2022 and incorporates World Down Syndrome Day on Monday 21^st March.

We would love you to get involved in Down syndrome Awareness Week this year to raise awareness of Down syndrome and raise funds for Downright Special.

There are many ways you can get involved to help raise money and awareness, including:

• Lots of Socks – Raise awareness by wearing your lots of socks and posting your pictures on social media using the hashtags #LotsofSocks #WDSD2022 Don’t forget to tag us in too! Official socks can be purchased from https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/product/lots-of-socks/ but you can wear whatever socks you like!
• Join the Downright Special Children’s Sponsored Swim and Splash. Our children, siblings are friends are invited to our first swim and splash event by completing sponsored laps of your choice or even a sponsored splash for the non-swimmers.  This event takes place on Saturday 19^th March 2022 12.00pm-1.30pm at Beverley Leisure Centre.  For more information see the click here or contact lisa.bloomer@downrightspecial.co.uk to sign up.
• Join our sponsored Yogathon. Adults are invited to join our sponsored Yoga event by completing 108 Sun Salutation poses. This event takes place on Sunday 27^th March 2022 11.00am-1.00pm at Everlast Fitness Club, Hull.  For more information click here or contact louise@downrightspecial.co.uk to sign up.
• Everyone is welcome to our Pop up Café on Saturday 26^th March 12.00pm-2.00pm at Darby and Joan Hall Cottingham. Activities for children. See flyer for more information. Donations of cakes / buns welcome.
• Hold a coffee morning at your workplace, local community centre or even your home in return for donations. We all love a coffee and a good chat over a slice of cake!
• Create a Facebook Fundraiser: www.facebook.com/fund/DownrightSpecialNetwork

Please see our Awareness Week Fundraising pack with information and more ideas for how you might get involved.

If you would like any collection buckets, leaflets, balloons, or posters please email louise@downrightspecial.co.uk or contact 07923 600160

We hope you are able to celebrate with us!

 

Lots of Socks?

Each year on the 21st of March we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. People with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome (they have 3 copies of chromosome 21 - hence 21/3, 21st March!) and to support World Down Syndrome day the "Lots of Socks" fundraising campaign is a worldwide campaign run by Down Syndrome International.

Why Lots of Socks?

This is a picture of chromosomes which some say look a little bit like pairs of socks.  Sometimes people have an extra ‘sock’ or chromosome and a person with Down syndrome has an extra copy of chromosome 21 as you can see in the picture. That’s ok – it just means that some things a little harder for them.  They are a little different but different is ok. People with Down syndrome learn, laugh, love, live and, just like the rest of us, sometimes also get cross, sad, dislike things, get uncomfortable being stared at and just want to join in with everyone else.  Where children with Down syndrome and other disabilities are given opportunities to join in, all children benefit from this and environments of friendship, acceptance, respect for everyone and high expectations are created.

Inclusive environments also help to prepare all today’s children for life as tomorrow’s adults, enabling adults with Down syndrome to live, work and join-in, with confidence and independence, fully included in society alongside their friends and peers.