As we reach the half way point of #Challenge21, our campaign to raise awareness, we spoke to 3 of the DSActive team about what challenges they have chosen, and how they are finding it!
Emma
Some of Emma’s art work
What are you doing for #Challenge21?
I am making 21 art pieces of different styles.
Why did you pick it as a challenge?
I like to think I am creative and I thought I would test it out.
How is it going?
I’m finding it challenging, but I’m enjoying seeing all the results.
What are one of your favourite #Challenge21’s that you have seen?
One of my favourites is from Alexa who works in the DSA Fundraising Team. Her challenge is doing 10,000 steps per day.
Why is it important to raise awareness?
#Challenge21 is important for individuals and communities to take on the tasks together and also serves as group awareness for people with Down’s syndrome. The challenges could be anything from fitness tasks or trying something new to being task based.
Alex
Alex with his new best friend, Peppermint Tea
What are you doing for #Challenge21?
For #Challenge21 I have completely given up caffeine. Giving up my morning coffee has been difficult for me, but thankfully I enjoy peppermint tea so I’ve been drinking a lot of that instead!
Why did you pick it as a challenge?
I have been thinking about cutting down on how much caffeine I drink for a little while so this was a good opportunity for me to do it.
How is it going?
It was difficult to start with as I had to change my usual habit of my morning coffee. I’ve been lucky to not have caffeine withdrawal headaches which has helped.
What are one of your favourite #Challenge21’s that you have seen?
I’ve really enjoyed watching the challenges by Swindon Down’s Syndrome Support Group and Lincoln City FC.
Why is it important to raise awareness?
It’s important to raise awareness of the achievements of the Down’s Syndrome Association, who have been campaigning to improve the lives of people with Down’s syndrome since 1970!
Doug
Doug completing Challenge 9 – “Meet someone I haven’t seen for over 21 months”
What are you doing for #Challenge21?
I am doing 21 different challenges, ranging from learning 21 Makaton signs to cycling 21 miles.
Why did you pick it as a challenge?
I wanted to push myself and see how I would cope with a challenge every day.
How is it going?
I’ve got a long way to go, as I was a slow starter. But its getting there!
What are one of your favourite #Challenge21’s that you have seen?
I love the challenges Leicester City Community Trust are posting daily. They are perfectly balancing challenge with fun, and it seems to show on the faces of their athletes!
Why is it important to raise awareness?
I think perceptions need to be changed. Through #Challenge21 we are showing what our athletes are capable of, whilst also showing that anyone can have a go. Sport and activity are accessible to all, and with the help of our fantastic clubs and coaches we hope to be able to support even more athletes in the future.
If you need a bit of inspiration for your challenges, have a look at our DSActive #Challenge21 video: