“World Down Syndrome Day takes place on 21 March every year. This date (21/3) represents the 3 copies of chromosome 21, which is unique to people with Down syndrome.”
Damon Hill OBE
1996 Formula One World Champion
Patron – Down Syndrome International
“The aims of World Down Syndrome Day are to promote awareness and understanding, seek international support, and to achieve dignity, equal rights and a better life for people with Down syndrome everywhere.”
Muttiah Muralitharan
Record breaking Sri Lankan cricketer
Patron – Down Syndrome International
“Activities and events held on World Down Syndrome Day can have a tremendous impact, showcasing the abilities, talents and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome. I encourage you all to tell the World what you are doing to celebrate this important day.”
Liam Neeson OBE
Oscar nominated actor
Patron – Down Syndrome International
World Down Syndrome Day 2012
21 March 2012 marks the 7th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day and for the first time in 2012 this day will be officially observed by the United Nations. Each year the voice of people with Down syndrome, and those who live and work with them, grows louder. But there is still so much more we can do.
Down Syndrome International encourages our friends all over the World to choose your own themes, activities and events to help raise awareness of what Down syndrome is, what it means to have Down syndrome, and how people with Down syndrome play a vital role in our lives and communities.
The internet is a powerful tool for raising awareness and we encourage people to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day through your own websites, blogs and social networking sites. However, we want to create a single meeting place where everyone can share their experiences and advertise their activities.
For this purpose we have a dedicated website www.worlddownsyndromeday.org. For 2012, we will be relaunching this website with new features and you will soon be able to register with us and share details of your activities and events with the global community. Our new website will launch in February 2012.
Join our cause to create a single global voice for advocating for the rights, inclusion and well being of people with Down syndrome on 21 March.
Global Video Event
Following the success of our Global Video Event “LET US IN!” in 2011, DSi will be launching a new Global Video Event for 2012. The Video will be launched prior to 21 March 2012.
You can WATCH THE 2011 VIDEO here and in so doing you will help us create a single global voice for advocating for the rights, inclusion and well being of people with Down syndrome.
World Down Syndrome Day Awards
Following our successful Awards in 2010 and 2011, DSi will also be announcing WDSD Awards to recognise people, groups or organisations who have strengthened and enriched the lives of people with Down syndrome or who have contributed to scientific advancement related to Down syndrome. Please click on the link above for further details.
World Down Syndrome Day on Facebook and Twitter
For 2012 we have launched a new WDSD Facebook Fan Page. This will operate in partnership with the existing WDSD Facebook Group. We encourage you to lend your support to us through both pages.
We have also launched a WDSD Twitter page which we welcome you to follow .
