JEDDAH: World Down Syndrome Day, which is observed internationally on March 21, will be celebrated Monday at Jeddah's Atallah Happy Land Park under the patronage of Princess Latifa Bint Thunayan Bin Mohammed Al-Saud, head of the Women's Committee at the King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Care Center for Disabled Children (KAACCDC). “We want to raise the level of awareness about Down Syndrome and provide concerned families with information, and last but not least we want to offer fun and entertainment for all Down Syndrome children, their families and all of our guests. That is why we have decided to offer free entrance to the park for everyone,” Volker Meyer, General Manager at Atallah Happy Land Park told Saudi Gazette. He also said that Down Syndrome organizations throughout the world organize events to raise public awareness of Down Syndrome, and that the park and all participating partners are proud to present the work and efforts of help centers, schools, medical facilities, health service providers and other organizations. “Many participants will display their activities for people with special needs. The interesting program combines information, education and entertainment. Experts will talk about their research, help centers will describe their support and concerned persons share their individual experiences with Down Syndrome in everyday life,” he added. More than 40 special schools and organizations with Down Syndrome students and their families have been invited to the event. “The main theme can be summarized in one word: infotainment. That is a mix of information and entertainment. For the parents we will offer a lot of information from various help organizations, health service providers and special schools; for the children we will have great entertainment, unlimited fun and a really exciting day out,” said Meyer . “We expect several thousand visitors as well as VIPs and celebrities,” he added.
