Feel unique – wear screaming socks

The Down Syndrome Association of Namibia (DSAN) will celebrate “World Down Syndrome Day” on 18 March. Although the day is celebrated internationally on 21 March, the local Down Syndrome Association have decided to celebrate the day earlier due to the Independence Day celebration.
In support of Down Syndrome, an international campaign asks people to wear socks of different pairs on this specific day to show their solidarity with the cause to improve the lives of Down Syndrome individuals.”To raise awareness about Down Syndrome internationally, relatives, friends, caretakers and supporters of people with this disorder will wear lots of different socks in support of World Down Syndrome Day 2013” said Dr Eline van der Linden, a founding member of the Down Syndrome Association of Namibia, and mother to a child with Down Syndrome.
“Down Syndrome International, a UK based charity organization, initiated the idea for 2013 for all of us to wear different socks to celebrate the extra chromosomes that make people with Down Syndrome unique. People all over the world will celebrate being different by wearing brightly coloured, striped, dotted, mismatched socks. Join DSAN by pulling up your special socks on World Down Syndrome Day in Namibia,” she said.
She said, people with Down Syndrome face the harsh reality of low life expectancy, physical and psychological abuse, stigma and exclusion, and limited opportunities in life as children and adults. In addition to their own intellectual and physical challenges, these people face educational, political, medical and social barriers in both the developed and developing world.
“When asked why you are wearing your special socks, you will have a chance to explain that you support the international and Namibian Down Syndrome community. Being different makes people with Down Syndrome unique but they are still first and foremost people; people who can be sad or happy, silly or excited, quiet or loud, with aspirations and dreams and hopes for a happy life with purpose in Namibia and the world over,” said van der Linden.