World Down Syndrome Day takes place on 21 March every year. It’s a day to highlight the rights and achievements of people with Down syndrome.
To celebrate the day, Cathal was joined in studio by Ava Raggett (11) from Kilkenny who told him all about her life as an honorary Down Syndrome Ireland ambassador and her Special Olympics dreams. Down syndrome is a genetic condition which occurs when someone has one extra chromosome. This changes the way the brain and body develop from the very early stages.
Press play on the image up top to watch Ava in action!
Ava is in 5th class in Scoil Chairain Naofa, Stoneyford, Co Kilkenny and her teacher’s name is Múinteoir Joanne. She loves fashion and enjoys making bracelets. Her other hobbies are gymnastics, pony-riding and drama. She goes to gymnastics in Torque Club and goes pony-riding in Warrington Club and Kilkiernan. Ava will be going to the Special Olympics Irish games in June competing in the equine section.
Lots of Socks for World Down Syndrome Day.
Get involved
Lots of Socks is Down Syndrome Ireland’s fundraising campaign in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD).
The date for WDSD is set on the 21st day of the 3rd month as a representation of the extra copy of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome that people with Down syndrome are born with. Plus, chromosomes look a lot like socks under a microscope!
Visit the official website at downsyndrome.ie/lots-of-socks.
Down syndrome is a genetic condition where a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21 in some or all of the cells in their body. This means that they have a total of 47 chromosomes, rather than the usual 46.
Download this booklet all about Down syndrome.
Gaelic Games: Meet the All Stars on World Down Syndrome Day with Dizzy Deliveries