Down's Syndrome Association

PATRONS COME OUT TO SHOW SUPPORT OF THIS YEARS AWARENESS WEEK

02/06/2006

Events:

Sunday 4^th June - Radio 4 Charity Appeal voiced by Liam Neeson, International Film and Patron

Tuesday 6^th June - Damon Hill, British Formula 1 World Champion and his wife Georgie Hill will be appearing on This Morning to talk about their son Liam and showing their support for this year’s awareness campaign.

Tuesday 6^th June – Shifting Perspectives 2006 Photo Exhibition Champagne Launch Party 6 – 9pm

Mel Giedroyc novelist, actress, comedian and our newest patron will be attending the launch party of Shifting Perspectives 2006.

The exhibition features the work of five photographers all of whom have family members with Down’s syndrome. Their work travels through from birth to adulthood and shows the myriad of life in between. The aim is to highlight that people with Down’s syndrome can and do lead fulfilling, active and exciting lives. The viewer is asked not to look at perceived disabilities, but to look at real people with Down’s syndrome and their abilities.

Saturday 10^th June – The Danny Mardell Knock Out Challenge - Play Football, watch football…its all about the football.

The Down’s Syndrome Association proudly present the sporting event of the year – 32 teams will play a 6-a-side knock-out football tournament at WEST HAM UNITED’s Upton Park with a break for the first World Cup England match followed by a kicking post-match party till late.

The day will be kick-off at 10am with a rousing welcome from Kevin Kilbane, Everton Mid-fielder, International Footballer and Patron. During the day a host of celebrities will be dropping in to cheer all the teams on. Dermont Gallagher, Premiership Referee will be presenting trophies to the winners and losers, as well as hosting the Grand Raffle and regaling us all with tales of the life in the premiership in his after dinner speech.

ENDS

For more information about the Down’s Syndrome Association please contact Xanthe Breen on or at

Notes to editors:

The DSA is a national charity that exists to provide information and support for people with Down’s syndrome, their families, carers and those with a professional interest. It also seeks to improve knowledge and understanding and champion the rights of people with Down’s syndrome
In a year, the DSA responds to over 29,000 telephone enquiries from 20,000 members, professionals and the general public, they send out more than 25,000 leaflets and fact-sheets and receive around 11 million hits on the website
The DSA has over 100 local affiliated groups throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland as well as offices in South London, Cardiff and Belfast, plus a team of regional staff supporting families and professionals throughout most of England, Wales and Northern Ireland
The DSA relies almost entirely on voluntary donations to continue operating
The DSA has an annual operating need of approximately £1.9 million