World Down Syndrome Day is commemorated
Every year World Down Syndrome Day is commemorated.
An awareness day was held at Schoongezicht sports ground. Church groups were involved in a soccer tournament, four teams played during the tournament.
Live Life Centre, CWC, Peniel Community Centre and Umilio Wevangeli took part in the tournament. Live Life Centre beat CWC 4-2 in the finals.
Tournament organisers thanked the people who attended the event for their support. Other organisations supported the day and were thanked for their contributions.
“This year all over the world March 21 marks the ninth anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) and 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 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,” said a spokesperson for the organisation.
This year their focus is on ‘Health and Well-being – Access and Equality for All’.
They say all people with Down Syndrome have the right to access healthcare when required on an equal basis with others without discrimination and with proper assessment of the specific health needs of the individual.
They also highlighted that:
*Having Down Syndrome does not make a person unhealthy;
*Down syndrome is a genetic condition not an illness;
*People with Down Syndrome may have health issues throughout their lives, just like everyone else, and they should have access to healthcare on an equal basis with others.
*There are specific known health issues which may affect people with Down Syndrome, for which accurate, evidence based information is available.
*Health professionals should be aware of these specific issues when treating a person with Down Syndrome.
*Health professionals should not discriminate against people with Down syndrome by:
-Refusing to treat them;
-Blaming health issues on Down Syndrome in general or; considering only specific known health issues which may affect people
with Down syndrome.
