spreading awareness and happiness on World Down'S Syndrome Day

| Billy Birchmore, after winning the 200 freestyle at INAS swimming World Championship.

By Laura Goddard

This year, World Down's Syndrome Day will be celebrated on March 21st. Giving an opportunity to raise awareness and happiness around the illness - by bringing together people with Down's syndrome - is Down's Syndrome International’s first aim. “It’s a far more positive reality than most folk would believe; not through any fault of their own, but because society as a whole isn’t afforded a realistic perspective.”- explains Tina Sheeran, mother of postnatally diagnosed Elsie.

Poor mental health is not inevitable for people with Down’s syndrome. It's important to feel good about yourself, which can often be harder for people with Down's syndrome. In the past, mental health issues tended to be overlooked as part of the general behaviour related to having Down's syndrome.

Conferences for World Down's Syndrome Day will unite the international community, while a number of events such as fundraising are being put in place. “Our families are always keen to participate, and last year over 60 schools and local businesses supported us by holding a fundraiser or awareness day”, says Rachael Ross, Chair of Portsmouth Down's Syndrome Association.

Though events such as these are key to giving the world an understanding of what living with Down's syndrome is really like, they are not the only way. Social Media campaigns, screening events, professional photo shoots and international sports competitions are spreading a positive message worldwide - particularly needed when it comes to the stigma behind this disease. ‘’It’s uplifting to join together with our families and other organisations all over the world to celebrate the achievements of people with Down's syndrome”, thinks Rachael.

Physical health and mental health are often linked. Being able to live like any other young individual - without any judgements - is the main objective of most people with Down's syndrome. Billy Birchmore, 22, has managed to show the world that this is possible, and much more.

By winning four golds, two silvers and a bronze at the INAS Swimming World Championship and becoming the overall champion at the European Championship, he proved everyone wrong. Down's Syndrome Swimming Committee explains: “We became European champions, with Billy overall champion and Ellen Stephenson won the Mosaic champion. We believe it’s great because we feel it’s a chance to showcase our swimmers’ ability and stop some people’s stereotypes regarding Down's syndrome.”

By spreading joy and hope, Billy shows it is possible to accomplish great achievements even if you are diagnosed with Down's syndrome. “Believe in a much brighter future, one with much more promise and fulfilment; and one which is based on the realities of living with Down's syndrome not a statistic in a pamphlet.”, adds Tina.

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