(Singapore, 21 February 2024) Down Syndrome Association Singapore is celebrating World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st with a “Rock Your Socks” initiative that encourages people to mismatch their socks. The initiative highlights the uniqueness of differently ordered chromosomes with the theme ‘End the Stereotypes. We are just like you.’  

The United Nations has annually observed World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March as a reflection of the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome. Said Evelyn Lai, Executive Director of DSA: “Stereotypes can limit people with Down Syndrome and other special needs from developing to their potential and living their fullest life. Having Down syndrome or any other special needs is just a part of who the person is.” 

People with Down syndrome are individuals with their own individual identity, interests, preferences, gifts, and talents, just like everyone else, she adds. “Rock Your Socks serves to highlight the differences we all experience in some way,” said Lai, “allowing us to share in celebrating a part of our community too often overlooked.”  

Key highlights of this year’s celebrations include:

#RockYourSocks

#RockYourSocks is a fun way to raise awareness for Down Syndrome. This movement aims to remind others that differences can be beautiful. DSA invites everyone to wear colourful mismatched socks to embrace differences and show their support for the Down Syndrome community. Chosen for their resemblance to chromosomes, colourful mismatched socks represent the diverse capabilities of individuals with Down Syndrome.  

Support Rock Your Socks by:

 Purchasing DSA socks designed by our members with Down syndrome at https://downsyndromeassociationsingapore.cococart.co/

 Wearing colourful mismatched DSA socks and posting on social media with the tag @downsyndromesingapore, including hashtags #WorldDownSyndromeDay #Endthestereotypeswearejustlikeyou and #RockYourSocks 

WDSD Carnival 2024

Down Syndrome Association will also hold a WDSD 2024 Carnival at One Punggol from 8am to 3pm on Saturday, 23 March 2024.  

A highlight of the carnival is the signature Buddy Walk symbolising camaraderie along the journey of development with individuals with Down Syndrome, together with their families. The Carnival expects 500 participants comprising members, beneficiaries, partners, and members of the community to join in the 1-km walk around One Punggol. The event will also feature talent showcases by members with Down Syndrome and community partners, including games and stalls selling crafts and food items. 

Raise Funds for DSA

Get involved and set up a fundraising campaign to support DSA’s rallies for the community and help raise awareness of Down Syndrome at fundraising portals such as https://www.giving.sg/home or https://give.asia/.  

You can also  

Make a donation to support DSA at https://www.giving.sg/donate/campaign/world-down-syndrome-day-2024

Buy our merchandise and purchase DSA 2024 socks at https://downsyndromeassociationsingapore.cococart.co/

Register to walk with the Down syndrome community in the Buddy Walk on 23 March 2024 at https://downsyndromeassociationsingapore.cococart.co/

Make an outright donation to DSA via paynow at UEN S96SS0170K and indicate in ref: WDSD

All funds raised go towards DSA’s general funds to support operations and services towards its charitable purpose as the Centre of Excellence for individuals with Down Syndrome, their families, and the community.  

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