Public encouraged to Rock your Socks on Friday

This Friday, the public is being encouraged to show out their most colorful and quirky socks as the country gears up to commemorate World Down Syndrome Day.

Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre’s Medical Director Dr Shivon Belle-Jarvis spoke of the importance of continued awareness in the country.

“We recognize the need to continue to raise awareness within the community so that their social well being can be optimized there are many stereotypes that exist. They can’t go to school. They can’t live independently. They can’t read or write. They can’t ride a bike so for us, we have to raise awareness so that they can inclusive in society.

“We only have one public school that caters to special needs and that needs to change. We are hoping that through continued advocacy we can help the educational system to be optimized where children with down syndrome can even be included in mainstream schools,” Belle-Jarvis said.

She added it is important that their voices be heard and is urging persons to become more aware and educate themselves on this condition.

In addition to the Lots of Socks Awareness Initiative which wall fall on World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, the fourth instalment of the World Down Syndrome Fun Day ride will take place on Sunday.

There will also be drives in the schools to bring awareness.

Last year, education programs were funded for teachers through the Lots of Socks initiative equipping them with the right tools to teach these students.

The date is the 21st day of the third month to signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome which causes the condition.

This fun ride is a collaborative event between the Paediatric unit at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) and the Antigua Barbuda Cycling Federation (ABCF).

Children with the condition, plus their parents, hospital staff, cyclists and supporters will ride a route around the Pan Am Base in Coolidge in a bid to raise awareness of Down Syndrome.

“It’s going to be with a little twist this year because we are actually going to move off from the venue and go towards the AUA, turn around, and then, go back to the Pan Am base. Last year, we introduced some prizes for the youngest person, the oldest person the biggest group, so hopefully we will see a lot more persons taking part and tor bring more awareness to World Down Syndrome Day,” President of the ABCF St Clair Williams said.

There is no registration or registration fee for this event so everyone is invited to come out early and participate.

The ride will begin at 8 a.m.