Spraoi agus Spórt has signed up to support the Donegal #SeeMe campaign, to mark World Down Syndrome Day on Tuesday 21st March.
The campaign focuses on sharing positive images of children and teenagers with Down Syndrome and is being run by McElhinney’s department store in collaboration with the Donegal Down Syndrome Association. As part of the McElhinney’s ‘See Me’ campaign, they have unveiled portraits of young children and teenagers with Down syndrome in their store front window displays on Ballybofey’s Main Street.
“It’s a fabulous, uplifting campaign,” says Spraoi agus Spórt chief executive, Helen Nolan. “We are delighted to support it because inclusion has been such a vital part of what we do here since we were founded.”
“We will be posting portraits of the children and young people we work with on our windows at SuperValu, Fadó on Bridge St. at our CoWorking Hub in Millbrae and on our social media accounts as well as sharing posts other people put up in the #SeeMe campaign. It’s all about shining a light on the Down Syndrome Community in Donegal.”
The campaign also has a slogan ‘One More Chromosome to Love’, which refers to fact that people with Down Syndrome possess one extra chromosome. So, they have 21 chromosomes, and this is why the date of 21st March has an extra significance.
“This campaign is a great way to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day in a positive way together,” says Helen.
“Spraoi agus Spórt are delighted to get this opportunity to come on board. Being inclusive is a huge part of what we are about. This means making our activities accessible for children with a disability or special need. We provide Special Needs Assistants at no additional cost, so any child or young person can participate in our activities in the same way as their peers.”
“Every child or teenager has the right to be seen and the #SeeMe campaign does this so well. “So let’s celebrate diversity and inclusion together next week on World Down Syndrome Day!”
If you want to get involved, you can find out more here about the McElhinney’s department store #SeeMe campaign. Find out more here about Spraoi agus Spórt’s inclusive activities for children and young people with special needs.