Celebrating World Down's Syndrome Day
Friday 21st March marked World Down’s Syndrome Day, a day which aims to raise public awareness of Down’s Syndrome, challenge misconceptions, promote inclusivity and support the well-being of those with Down’s Syndrome. We take a look at what Down’s Syndrome is, how sport can benefit those who have it and give an update on what our Down's Syndrome team (DS Eagles) have been up to.
What is Down’s Syndrome?
Down’s Syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects around 1 in every 1,000 babies born in the UK. It occurs when there is an extra copy of chromosome 21, leading to changes in how the body and brain develop. People with Down’s Syndrome will have some level of learning disability – some will be more independent and do things like get a job, whereas others might need more regular care.
However, it’s important to recognise that Down’s Syndrome is just one aspect of a person’s identity. Like all individuals, people with Down’s Syndrome have their own unique personalities, interests, and abilities.
The reason why the 21st day of the third month is the designated date for World Down’s Syndrome Day is because it represents the triplication of the 21st chromosome, which is the genetic anomaly that leads to Down’s Syndrome.
On the day, our staff and Palace players have kitted themselves with Odd Socks, as part of World Down’s Syndrome Day’s mission to get people talking about the disability.
Matheus França wearing odd socks in the gym on World Down’s Syndrome Day
The theme for this year’s World Down’s Syndrome Day is ‘Improve Our Support Systems’, which is all about ensuring people with Down’s Syndrome can access the support they need; from governance, social protection, assistive technology to human support and transport.
You can read more about World Down’s Syndrome Day here.
What role does sport play in supporting people with Down’s Syndrome?
People with Down’s Syndrome may have an increased risk of medical complications, such as heart defects, and playing sports can help them manage challenges like this.
Regular exercise can help improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease, as well as improve muscle strength, coordination and balance, which can be beneficial for those with low muscle strength and other physical challenges associated with Down’s Syndrome.
DS Eagles training with Palace Women at Crystal Palace Academy Ground
According to DS Active, in the UK there are almost 14 million disabled individuals, approximately 22% of the population. Research has found that disabled people aged over 16 are twice as likely to be inactive as non-disabled people (43% vs 21%).
Playing sports can help people with Down’s Syndrome with physical skills, but also allows them to develop their social and emotional abilities too.
The DS Eagles
We’re really proud that we are able to support south Londoners with Down’s Syndrome all year round thanks to our DS Eagles football sessions.
Our weekly sessions have been running since 2014, and since then, they have grown and grown.
Last year, Marc Guéhi & Eberechi Eze surprised the DS Eagles at the Crystal Palace Christmas retail shoot!
Last year we ran our first ever cohort of DS GAME ON, which combines two of the our most successful initiatives, DS Eagles, which provides sports sessions for people with Down’s Syndrome, and GAME ON, our flagship employment programme. This new project gives participants hands-on experience in a range of job roles like barista training, cooking, designing a t-shirt and much more.
While there is no specific data on how many people with Down’s Syndrome are in work, disability charity Mencap estimates that 65% of people with learning disabilities, Down’s Syndrome included, want to work, yet fewer than 20% are employed.
The first year of DS GAME ON saw 15 participants try their hand at a range of jobs, proving that people with Down’s Syndrome can thrive in the workplace. However, barriers like prejudice, limited opportunities, and low expectations still persist.
Barista training at one of the most recent DS GAME on sessions
Through the DS GAME ON programme, we’re aiming to equip young people living with Down’s Syndrome the chance to try a range of different jobs, helping to give them a solid idea of what career path they’d like to go down.
Keep an eye out on our social channels as we tell you more about their progress on this programme!
HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PALACE FOR LIFE DOWN’S SYNDROME FOOTBALL SESSIONS?
Our weekly sessions are based in Croydon and Beckenham and take place indoors. Sessions focus on skills such as passing, dribbling, and shooting, and improving the fundamentals of agility, balance, and coordination. There are also opportunities to play for the DS Eagles in friendly games and at National Festivals.
Weekly sessions are open to both boys and girls aged 8 and above and take place at the below locations:
- Every Tuesday between 17:00 and 18:00 at Kent County Cricket Club, Worsley Bridge Road, Beckenham (BR3 1DR) – 6 – 14 year olds
- Every Wednesday between 18:00 – 19:00 at Monks Hill Sports Centre (CR2 8HD) – 14- 25 year olds
Want to book? Email the DS Eagles lead coach, Ben at: benperryman@palaceforlife.org
HOW CAN I SUPPORT PALACE FOR LIFE?
We’re really grateful for the generosity of our supporters and appreciate any donations. With your contributions, we can reach even more young south Londoners and help to give them the right tools to succeed.
If you would like to support our work, like the DS Eagles, please head here.