World Down Syndrome Day
Why is World Down Syndrome Day on March 21?
The first World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) was held on March 21st, 2006. The day and month of the day were not coincidental but were chosen specifically to correspond to 3 copies of the 21 chromosome.
Down Syndrome Association Singapore launched and hosted the WDSD website from 2006-2010, on behalf of DSi, for global activities to be recorded. On 19 December 2011, the United Nations General Assembly declared 21 March as World Down Syndrome Day.
Additionally, in 2023 a resolution passed in Arkansas naming March 21st World Down Syndrome Day.
Every year to observe WDSD, ADSA sponsors the lighting of Little Rock’s downtown bridges and the Two Rivers and Big Dam Bridges.
"Lots of Socks"
In 2013, the theme of Wearing Odd Socks was initiated to raise awareness. Over time it has also been promoted as Lots of Socks. The idea was created because chromosomes are shaped “like socks” and people with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome.
People all over the world wear colorful, attractive, crazy socks on WDSD to get noticed. Other sock themed activities like puppet making and games are also carried out in schools, playgroups, daycares and workstations.
From the USA to Australia, the unique talents and abilities of people with Down syndrome are celebrated. And the invitation is extended all around the globe to rally behind the #lots of socks campaign by wearing socks. To get people talking and asking questions, the organizers of WDSD recommend wearing, “not just any socks, brightly colored socks, mismatched socks, long socks, printed socks, one sock. Maybe even three socks, one for each chromosome.”
In Arkansas, use the hashtag #rockinARsocks to show off your sock pics on 3/21
