Press Releases 2009

Down’s Syndrome Association scoop top SEN (Special Education Needs) book award

Issue Date: Monday 26th October 2009

Our newest publication - ‘Education Support Pack for Further Education' has scooped the most prestigious award in its field at the annual nasen Awards. The awards celebrates the most inclusive and innovative books, games and DVD's available in the field of special education needs.

The DSA and UK Down's Syndrome Education Consortium received the award in the ‘Book to support teaching and learning - The Education Practitioner's Book' category.
The judges paid tribute to the pack for promoting inclusive strategies and for the innovative and effective ideas and resources for teaching and learning activities.

Bob Black, Education Officer for Down's Syndrome Association and a member of the UK Down's Syndrome Education Consortium said;

"We are over the moon to receive an award from such a respected national body. The nasen judges are all experienced education professionals who have worked in the real world with real young people. It is recognition of the excellent work the consortium has done in making this accessible and useful to teachers, tutors and support staff, who work hands on with our young people on a daily basis.

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Shifting Perspectives in Halifax

GlaxoSmithKline & Down's Syndrome Association present:
SHIFTING PERSPECTIVES

"Twenty years ago images such as these would have been neither seen nor made."

June 6th - September 30th 2009
Dean Clough Gallery, Halifax

A unique photographic exhibition created by and about people with Down's syndrome will show at Halifax's Dean Clough Gallery from June 6th - September 30th 2009.

Shifting Perspectives challenges long-held stereotypes of people with Down's syndrome and presents a genuine picture of those living with the condition. Most of the photographers have children with Down's syndrome themselves, informing their work in a deeply personal way.

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Basingstoke brothers swap running shoes for football boots to help raise money for Down’s syndrome charity

Following their triumphant finishes at this year's London Marathon Basingstoke brothers Paul and Jim Harwood are swapping their running shoes for football boots to compete at the legendary Stamford Bridge stadium in a six-a-side charity football tournament on Bank Holiday Monday 25th May 2009.

The Danny Mardell Knockout Challenge will feature 36 teams battling it out in a knockout competition. The Challenge is in its fourth year and attracts celebrities from the likes of EastEnders, Soccer AM and PFA All-Stars, and features a raft of retired professional football players.

Paul Harwood's youngest son Frankie is the inspiration for taking part as he was born with Down's syndrome in 2003. The whole Harwood family are committed fundraisers for the Down's Syndrome Association (DSA). Frankie's big brother, Alfie Harwood, can always been found giving the biggest cheer on the side lines at many of the DSA's events.

Paul Zanon, Business Development Director at the Down's Syndrome Association said: "Families such as the Harwoods make the Down's Syndrome Association what it is. Over the last few years this remarkable family have raised in excess of £10,000, allowing us to continue helping people with Down's syndrome across the country."

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Down’s syndrome football teams break new ground

On Monday 25th May 2009 three unique football teams will display their skills together for the first time at a six-a-side charity football tournament.

The Danny Mardell Knockout Challenge, held at Chelsea FC's Stamford Bridge, brings together three teams made up of young people with Down's syndrome (DS): the Fulham Badgers, Queen's Park Rangers Tiger Cubs, and special guests the Down's Syndrome Hong Kong Dragons (HKDSA Dragons).

All three teams are part of the DSActive programme, which provides young people with Down's syndrome a chance to develop their physical, social and emotional health through the joy of sport.

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