World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is is a global Down syndrome awareness day recognized by the United Nations General Assembly. WDSD is observed on the 21st day of the 3rd month, in honor of the triplication of the 21st chromosome that causes Down syndrome.
West Michigan WDSD Celebration
The Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan will host the local festivities at their World Down Syndrome Day Sock Hop. The family friendly event is open to the community and features music and dancing, refreshments, balloon animals and a costume contest.
The dance will be held in the ballroom of the Grand Rapids Masonic Center, thanks to a partnership with Grand Rapids #34 Masonic Lodge F. & A.M. The night will have a nostalgic theme with the ballroom transformed into the gym of Rydell High from Grease.
Bring your dancing shoes! From 6 to 7 pm, bop to authentic Sock Hop tunes. From 7 to 8 pm, the music transitions to family-friendly pop. There will also be balloon animals, a “Selfie Station” photo booth, and refreshments. Don’t forget your poodle skirt or leather jacket for a chance to win the costume contest for the best sock hop attire!
WDSD Sock Hop
Tuesday, March 21 | 6-8 pm
Grand Rapids Masonic Center Ballroom
233 Fulton St E | Grand Rapids
Lots of Socks
DSAWM encourages everyone to participate in the international Lots of Socks campaign by wearing mismatched or wild socks on World Down Syndrome Day. When some asks about your socks, you can tell them about your experience with Down syndrome. Ask coworkers and classmates to do the same in honor of an awesome person with Down syndrome.
Commit Kindness
While each person with Down syndrome is a unique individual with complex feelings and thoughts, you can’t help but notice that many people with an extra 21st chromosome tend to have a positive outlook. In honor of the positive impact people with Down syndrome have in our community each day, DSAWM supporters are asked to commit “random acts of kindness” on World Down Syndrome Day. Pay for someone’s gas, pick up litter, or drop of cookies at your local senior center – big or small acts can make a difference. You can download your random acts of kindness cards here (print double sided).
Share your WDSD celebrations by posting with #DSAWM and #WDSD.
