Staff from the Ministry of Home Affairs, led by Acting Chief Officer, Michael Nixon, put their best foot forward on Tuesday, 21 March 2017 donning brightly coloured footwear to support the Rock Your Socks For World Down Syndrome Day.

Eight civil servants nailed it by taking a break from their busy schedules and toed the line by wearing some pretty eye-catching socks to raise awareness of those living with the genetic condition.

Mr. Nixon, who wore a muted pair which staff embellished with a Sponge Bob plushy said, “Our observance is very much in the spirit of the Cayman Islands Disability Policy, which advances the rights of persons with disabilities. Staff in our Ministry wanted to show support for an event which shines a spotlight on groups that are often overlooked and individuals who contribute so much to our lives and to our community.”

“Events such as these not only raise the profile of individuals and families living with Down Syndrome, they focus us on what more we all can do to ensure persons with Down Syndrome get access to the resources they need to lead full and productive lives” he added.

According to the Special Needs Foundation of the Cayman Islands and the local Down Syndrome Committee, the day of observance was a joint awareness and fundraising exercise. Rock Your Socks events were held in more than six schools in Grand and several businesses took part across the islands. The Foundation hopes that public generosity will help it reach its $25,000 target for channeled into education on Down Syndrome, therapy programmes and further community initiatives.

Nancy Bodden of the committee said, “The Down Syndrome community is buzzing with excitement today. We are celebrating people with Down Syndrome and are providing practical support for parents by donating “Baskets of Hope” with several handy gifts for to the Cayman Islands Hospital’s maternity unit.”

Participants were also asked to post selfies on the Cayman Islands World Down Syndrome Day Facebook page.