By the DSActive team
Every year World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated on 21 March. It is an international event that is celebrated across the world. This year, the theme was ‘Leave No-One Behind’. All people with Down’s syndrome must have opportunities to live fulfilling lives be included on a full and equal basis with others, in all aspects of society. The Down’s Syndrome Association chose to especially highlighting the stories and achievements of people with Down’s syndrome and who have more complex needs…a section of our own community who can sometimes feel particularly left behind.
Lots of our DSActive partners and clubs celebrated the day by running events, awareness training and festivals. Also, many primary and secondary schools across the country had run awareness lessons for students on ‘What is Down’s syndrome?’ For example; John Chilton School is a SEN school in Ealing and celebrated World Down Syndrome Day. Many of the students raised money for the day. Also, Claude did a class assembly with Year 4 students at Barrow Hedges Primary School.
On 21 March, Anna and Will did a school assembly to year 5 students at Cheam Fields Primary School. Anna works for the Down’s Syndrome Association and Will swims for Down Syndrome Swimming GB. In the assembly, Will discussed his preparations for European Swimming Championships in September. All of the DSActive team wishes him all the best with the competition!
DSActive was also delighted to announce the launch of five new DSActive Partners who are; Weald Tennis, Doncaster Titans FC, Blackburn Rovers FC, Plymouth FC, Cannock and Stafford Athletics Club.
There are too many DSActive partners and clubs to name and we would like to thank them all! A special mention goes to Arsenal FC, Swindon Down’s Syndrome Team, Exeter City FC, Kingsteignton Tennis, Longfleet Youth FC, Theo Walcott for all of their amazing support on the day. Thank you also to the National Governing bodies such as England Athletics, LTA (British Tennis), British Swimming, World Disability Billiards and Snooker.
We are looking for guest blogs for our website, if you are involved in physical activity or sport, or you’ve completed a challenge, no matter how big or small, we want to hear about it. Please email us on dsactive@downs-syndrome.org.uk to tell us all about it.