World Down Syndrome Day 2021. Join us on our journey to build an inclusive society for all persons with Down syndrome on 21 March 2021

1. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – MEDIA RELEASE
World Down Syndrome Day 2021
Join us on our journey to build an inclusive society for all persons with Down
syndrome on 21 March 2021
Singapore, 17 March 2021 - Down Syndrome Association (Singapore) [DSA] will be hosting its
16th edition of the World Down Syndrome Day celebration on 21 March 2021. Due to the
ongoing COVID-19 situation, WDSD 2021 will be held virtually amid safe management
measures. The Association aims to raise awareness and exemplify the abilities of persons with
Down syndrome while advocating equal rights for them.
Gracing this year’s WDSD is Mr. Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and
Second Minister for Law who will be opening the event with a speech and putting his creative
touches to a kite alongside our beneficiaries as part of DSA’s “Soar High” campaign. This year’s
digital celebration will be hosted by DSA Ambassadors, Allan Cai and Judith Teo, and will

2. feature a Zumba workout with the Siglap South Youth Network, online games as well as
performances from DSA’s Drum Prodigy and Zumba group.
“Connect” is the theme for this year’s celebration, emphasising the importance of community
participation, interaction and support. “Everyone has the ability to bring about positive
change through sharing of ideas, experiences and knowledge, and empowering persons with
Down syndrome” shared Mr. Ratnasabapathy Sivanandam, Chairperson and Founding Board
Member of DSA.
“Rock Your Socks”
Launched in Singapore last year, “Rock Your Socks” is back for the second year running. “Rock
Your Socks” is a fun and easy way to raise awareness of Down syndrome by wearing a pair of
colourful and/or mismatched pair of socks to draw attention and spark conversations.
Why socks? Persons with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21 and socks
resemble the shape of chromosomes.
Socks featuring designs by our beneficiaries will be on sale to raise funds to support the
programs and services offered by DSA.
“Soar High”
2021 marks DSA’s 25th anniversary. To commemorate WDSD and DSA’s 25th Anniversary, DSA is
selling DIY Kite Kits to raise funds and awareness about Down syndrome.
The flying motion of the kite exemplifies the objectives of the Association and symbolises the
hopes, aspirations and abilities of persons with Down syndrome to be able to soar to greater
heights. Society, synonymous with a strong continuous gust of wind, will steer them in the right
direction.
DSA has coordinated participation with Tanglin Mall as a partner for both campaigns. Be
rewarded by Tanglin Mall when you raise awareness of Down syndrome by wearing your
coloured/mismatched socks. Shoppers can also redeem a DIY Kite Kit specially prepared by
DSA at Tanglin Mall from 1 March to 31 March 2021 (T&C applies).
“Tanglin Mall is happy to partner with Down Syndrome Association (Singapore) to celebrate
its 25th anniversary and World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March. We encourage everyone to

3. put on a pair of bright and colourful mismatched socks in March to raise awareness of Down
syndrome.” Eugenie Yap, Senior General Manager of Allgreen Properties Limited shares.
As Singapore’s only social service agency (SSA) solely supporting persons with Down syndrome,
DSA has rallied support from a myriad of organisations and school groups to build a more
inclusive society for all persons with Down syndrome. World Down Syndrome Day 2021
highlights the need for a greater awareness and acceptance towards persons with Down
syndrome, and connection be it through physical interactions or digital means in this new norm.
Join us as we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by tuning in to the digital show via
Facebook on 21 March 2021, Sunday from 10am to 11am, to catch an inclusive assortment of
exciting performances by persons with Down syndrome and stand to win attractive gifts
through the games.
Please find the event details below
Guest-of-Honour: Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second
Minister for Law
Date: Sunday, 21 March 2021
Time: 10am-11am
Platform: Facebook Live
Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/174968004027538
Donation Page: https://www.giving.sg/down-syndrome-association/wdsd
Merchandise: bit.ly/WDSD2021
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4. About World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD)
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is celebrated on 21st March annually. It is a global
awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. WDSD
was first observed in 2006 by Down Syndrome Association (Singapore).
The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness
of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.
World Down Syndrome Day is a global event to raise awareness and exemplify the abilities of
persons with Down syndrome while advocating equal rights for them.
About Down Syndrome Association (Singapore)
Down Syndrome Association (Singapore) [DSA] was established when a group of parents of
children with Down syndrome recognised the need to support and educate families,
professionals and the public about Down syndrome. It was awarded official recognition by the
National Council of Social Service and registered as a charity with the Commissioner of
Charities in 1997.
The Association’s mission is to develop individuals with Down syndrome through lifelong
learning and social integration; support families through specialist services, information and
education; and advocate for equal opportunities, quality of life and their contribution to
society.
Website: http://www.downsyndrome-singapore.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downsyndromesingapore/
PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTACT
Ms Alicia Ang, Executive (Donor Management & Corporate Communications)
Mobile: 9616 4607
DID: 6500 9305
Email: alicia@downsyndrome-singapore.org