Thursday, March 21, 2013 – 06:00 to 08:30

The main objectives of the first Cayman Islands World Down Syndrome Day (CIWDSD) event are to raise awareness about Down syndrome, highlight the varied personalities and capabilities of people with Down syndrome locally and aide in the changing of misconceptions into new, educated perspectives.

It is also a day used for the celebration and enjoyment by the Down syndrome community and general public. There will be speakers, performers, prizes and giveaways, as well as fun activities for children and adults to enjoy.

Donations and monies raised will be donated to the Lighthouse School, a special education school and to the Sunrise Adult Training Centre, a training centre for adults with special needs, both in the Cayman Islands.

Highlight portions by persons with Down syndrome are:

Down Syndrome Advocate Speaker, Kansa Bodden

Down Syndrome Highlighted Singer/Performer, Lee Ebanks

Down Syndrome Highlighted Freestyle Dancer/Performer, Tristan Ramgee

Theme: Raising Awareness

The special event will begin with a symposium-type forum. There will be speakers who have close professional relationships with people with Down syndrome, a parent speaker and an advocate speaker. The speeches will be broken up by entertainment, which will include a short, supporting documentary, performances by persons with Down syndrome, including a free-style dance performance and a signing performance. There will be prizes and giveaways. The audience will be encouraged to purchase CIWDSD memorabilia to raise funds for the Lighthouse School and Sunrise Adult Training Centre, local special education and training institutions, respectively.

The symposium will be concluded and fun activities will be available for all to enjoy, such as arts and crafts, face painting, visiting clown, balloon animals, puppet theatre fun.

On the grounds, there will be Fine Art photographed portraits for the audience to browse and enjoy, either before the ceremony begins or after. As well as educational pamphlets, journals and other resources for people with Down syndrome, their relatives or the general public to take.

It is anticipated to be a fun and educational event to bring the Down syndrome community together, their co-workers, peers, families, members of the general public and our local dignitaries, so that people can be more exposed to such an array of personalities with varied capabilities and talents.

For more information Anne-Marie Gray

[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/CaymanIslandsWorldDownSyndromeDay

Cayman Islands