World Down Syndrome Day: 21st March

World Down Syndrome Day 2009 is being celebrated on Saturday 21 March. The date signifies the fact Down syndrome is caused by the presence of an extra chromosome - 3 copies of the 21st chromosome (or ‘3-21’) - in each of the body's cells.

World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated in many ways around the world. Some events are simply celebrations of the people with Down syndrome in our lives and promote acceptance of diversity. Others combine celebration and an opportunity for fund-raising to benefit people with Down syndrome.

Now in its third year, T4321 (or 'Tea for 3-21') is a simple way everyone in the community can mark this day and celebrate the achievements of people with Down syndrome as well as raise a few useful dollars to support children and adults with Down syndrome in achieving their full potential. In the two previous years we have raised a combined $60,000+ and hope to take that collective tally over $100,000 this year.

This year we invite you to again join in the celebrations with us by holding your own ‘T4321’ on or sometime around the 21st of March.

It’s as simple as putting on a Morning or Afternoon Tea at your home, school, workplace, club, church, local park or wherever you please, inviting friends, colleagues, neighbours, etc, breaking open the tim tams, baking some scones, or asking your local bakery to donate some lammies... put on the kettle, and you're away. Of course, there are many other ways you can celebrate as well ..... you can get plenty of inspiration by clicking here and looking back over last year’s celebrations.

To receive your 'T4321' Kit, or to advertise your World DS Day event, just contact Priscilla on t4321@dsansw.org.au, or 9683 1900 or 0402 503 885.

Information about events to mark World DS Day will be posted here as it is received.

Click here for Down Syndrome International's World Down Syndrome Day website.

Joan Medlen, of Phronesis Publishing is has announced four "webinar" events to mark World Down Syndrome Day, on nutrition, food, healthy eating and lifestyle, for those with a family or professional interest in people with Down syndrome of all ages, from infants to adults. Joan is a world renowned expert practitioner, writer and presenter on nutrition and healthy lifestyles for people with Down syndrome. Phronesis is located in Portland, Oregon, so check the time differences implications for "live" participation in these events - they will be worth getting up early, or staying up late for!