GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix in collaboration with Down Syndrome Network Arizona (DSNetwork) is thrilled to announce the celebration of World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) on Saturday, March 16, 2024. The celebration will take place at Pioneer Community Park in Peoria.
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“Every person deserves to be seen and celebrated for who they are, and every family needs a community of understanding and support,” says Robin Lea-Amos, executive director of GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix. “As an organization that provides support and resources for people with Down syndrome, their families and the community, GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix is dedicated to fostering a more welcoming, supportive and inclusive society. World Down Syndrome Day is a testament to the power of community coming together to support one another.”
GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix in partnership with DSNetwork invites the community to join the celebration from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm. The event is graciously sponsored by the City of Peoria, ensuring free admission for families. The celebration will feature entertainment for the whole family, including a game truck, barrel train rides, bubbles, balloons, dinosaurs, princesses, superheroes, resource tables, a DJ, dancing, a toddler play area, a fully accessible playground, arts and crafts, sports including a pickleball court and food trucks.
Each year, World Down Syndrome Day aims to bring people together, across the globe, to raise awareness for Down syndrome and celebrate the unique contributions of individuals with Down syndrome. Since its inception, the event has exceeded over 500 attendees, showcasing growing support and participation.
Down syndrome, a genetic condition caused by an extra chromosome, affects about one in every 691 babies born in the US. WDSD is officially recognized on March 21, which holds significance as it falls on the 21st day of the 3rd month, symbolizing the trisomy of the 21st chromosome, the cause of Down syndrome. The global awareness day, which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012, advocates that every individual deserves a healthy, supportive and caring community.
GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix serves over 1,000 families with a Down syndrome diagnosis by providing educational and therapeutic programs that advance literacy, math, and motor skills. All programs are provided to families at no cost. To learn more about GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix, please visit www.gigisplayhouse.org/phoenix/.
World Down Syndrome Day details
WHO: GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix and Down Syndrome Network Arizona
WHAT: World Down Syndrome Day
WHEN: Saturday, March 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
WHERE: Pioneer Community Park, 8755 N 83rd Ave, Peoria, AZ 85345
COST: Free
