Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria Wins International Award on World Down Syndrome Day.

Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria Wins International Award on World Down Syndrome Day.

By Ahaoma kanu

The Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (DSFN), the charity that takes care of people with Down Syndrome in Nigeria and the west coast joins all other Down Syndrome organizations all over the world in celebration of the World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) which is officially marked on March 21st of every year.

The World Down Syndrome Day-WDSD is a global event supported by all Down syndrome groups worldwide and we at DSFN use this period to focus our efforts in Advocacy, Awareness and interactive and educative partnerships to overcome the prejudices of people living with Down syndrome.

The foundation had series of activities to commemorate the event which included an inter-house sports, a comedy show entitled Comedy Infusion which was celebrated yesterday at The Incubator, Ligali Ayorinde Street, Victoria Island, opposite RCCG Church (City of David) Lagos. The event witnessed top comedians like Emeka Smeth, Teju Babyface, Klint Da Drunk, Funky Mallam, AY, Seyi Law, Elenu and Shakara. Music entertainment came from Ice Prince, Buzopat, W4, Ray 9 and Ara. The event was packaged by Meljenstin PR & Events, E-Smith and Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria. An Open House event which will feature several activities will cap the celebration.

Also, the foundation is one of the recipients of the 2011 World Down Syndrome Day Awards courtesy of the Down Syndrome International (DSi) based in the United Kingdom but comprising a membership of individuals and organisations from all over the World, committed to ensuring quality of life and human rights for all people with Down syndrome .

The announcement was made today and the foundation won in the award in the Outstanding Professional Categories for organisations that have affected people with Down Syndrome in the world.

Speaking delightedly about the award, the National President of the foundation, Mrs. Rose Mordi said the foundation was grateful and really encouraged by the award.

“Honestly, I must say that we are surprised by this honour and we dedicate the award to God Almighty for given us the strength to be doing what we are doing and also to our members, volunteers and well wishers,” she said.

The foundation was the only African country to receive the award this year which is the second edition of the awards.

According to the Mr. Andrew Boys, Director of DSI, a formal presentation formal presentation of World Down Syndrome Day Awards for the years 2010-2012 will take place at the 11th World Down Syndrome Congress (WDSC) in Cape Town, South Africa from 15-17 August 2012.

Below is the Press Release published by DSi and can be viewed at the link http://www.ds-int.org/news/1666

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release on Monday 21 March 2011

DOWN SYNDROME INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS OF 2011 WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY AWARDS

On Monday 21 March 2011, World Down Syndrome Day, Down Syndrome International (DSi) is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2011 World Down Syndrome Day Awards.

2011 is the second year of the World Down Syndrome Day Awards, presented to individuals or organisations whose voluntary, professional or scientific activities have strengthened and enriched the lives of people with Down syndrome, or contributed to scientific advancement related to Down syndrome.

This year’s recipients are as follows:

Voluntary and Professional Awards

4 individuals with Down syndrome receive awards for outstanding self-advocacy:

Ty Belnap (Australia) – Record breaking swimmer, surf lifeguard and stage and movie actor.

Mia Farah (Lebanon) – Self-advocate and international disability rights campaigner.

Malgorzata Jablonska (Poland) – Stage and movie actress, performing in many European countries.

Sujeet Desai (USA) – Accomplished musician and self-advocate with worldwide reputation.

3 individuals receive awards for outstanding professional activities:

Dr Branka Butorac (Croatia) – Headmaster of Down Syndrom Centar Pula, Croatia.

Driton Bajraktari (Kosovo) – Co-Founder and Executive Director of Down Syndrome Kosova, Kosovo.

Pauline L`vovna Zhiyanova (Russia) – Special Education Teacher, Downside Up, Russia.

4 organisations receive awards for outstanding professional activities:

Ikatan Sindroma Down Indonesia (ISDI) (Indonesia) – Down syndrome support and advocacy group.

Yaldei Tismonet Down (YATED) (Israel) – Down syndrome parent support organisation.

Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (Nigeria) – Centre for children and adults with Down syndrome.

Robert Owen Communities (UK) – Charity supporting over 350 adults with learning disabilities.

2 individuals receive awards for outstanding volunteer activities:

Agnieszka and Zofia Aleksandra Tucholska (Poland) – Young sisters with volunteering experience assisting people with Down syndrome and other learning disabilities.

1 individual receives an award for an outstanding contribution to raising awareness of Down syndrome:

Casper Lja (Canada) – 23 year old man who cycled 7,444 kilometres across Canada to raise awareness and money for Down syndrome advocacy.

Scientific Awards

1 individual receives an award for outstanding contribution as a medical professional in the field of Down syndrome:

Dr S Suresh (India) – Co-Founder and Chief Medical Director, MediScan Systems, Chennai, India.

President’s Special Recognition Award

2 individuals receive special awards for lifetime achievement in Down syndrome advocacy:

Penny Robertson OAM (Australia) – Pioneer of Down syndrome advocacy in Australia, Founder of Australian International School, Indonesia and Co-Founder of Down Syndrome International.

Dr Balbir Singh PBM (Singapore) – Founding Chairman of Down Syndrome Association Singapore, pioneer of World Down Syndrome Day programme and Social Service and Disability sector advocate.

All recipients are invited to a formal presentation of World Down Syndrome Day Awards for the years 2010-2012 taking place at the 11th World Down Syndrome Congress (WDSC) in Cape Town, South Africa from 15-17 August 2012.

-END-

For further information on the recipients of the 2011 World Down Syndrome Day Awards or to learn more about World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), please visit the DSi website www.ds-int.org or the WDSD website www.worlddownsyndromeday.org. For further information on the WDSC please visit the website www.wdsc2012.org.za.

–
AHAOMA KANU
MEDIA AND PUBLICITY COORDINATOR
DOWN SYNDROME FOUNDATION NIGERIA
43, ADEGOKE STREET
OFF MASHA ROAD, SURULERE
LAGOS STATE
NIGERIA
Email: a.kanu@dsanigeria.org
Website: www.dsanigeria.org
Tel:: +234-80-3748-7286