Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day in Bali

World Down Syndrome Day was celebrated for the first time in Bali this year:

In less than a week, a committee of four mothers of children with Down syndrome (Eveleen, Arie, Pia (formerly from Sydney) and Rinda) pulled together an event for families and professionals in Bali.

Two short films were screened, one about Special Olympics Indonesia (SOIna - Indonesian Special Olympics) and the other about a young girl with Down syndrome in a small village in Kupang.  A 'Q and A' session followed with a Minikino  representative about the films. The screening was courtesy of Minikino and In-Docs Jakarta, who produced and holds rights of the films’ public screening.    

Information sessions followed lunch.A young and resourceful Balinese physiotherapist, Gede Rai provided valuable information for families.    The second session was on the immune system in children with Down syndrome and how it might be improved.

Around 60 adults and children (with or without Down syndrome) attended the event. Children were entertained with activities and educational toys throughout the event. We also had the pleasure of welcoming members (volunteers, educators, parents and students) of Sjakitarius, a Dutch initiative “Yayasan” (non-profit organisation) in Ubud Bali - almost 90% of their students have Down syndrome.

All in all, it was a glorious and happy day for us all in sunny Bali. We look forward to our next gathering!

POTADS (Persatuan Orang Tua Anak dendan Down Syndrome) is a Bali based Down syndrome support organisation.