Shahzaib’s Club House, a community of differently abled individuals, has launched an online competition to mark World Down Syndrome Day.
The international day is observed annually on March 21. This
year’s theme ‘Together Against Loneliness’ raises awareness about how
loneliness disproportionately affects people with the genetic condition and
other intellectual disabilities, as well as their families.
In the same spirit, the talent contest hopes to engage those
with Down syndrome and their families.
Down syndrome is caused by the presence of all or part of a
third copy of chromosome 21, and is usually associated with developmental
delays, mild to moderate intellectual disability, and characteristic physical
features.
According to the latest reports, the estimated incidence of
Down syndrome is between one in 1,000 to one in 1,100 live births worldwide.
“We hope to showcase the amazing talents of our community
through this initiative,” Shahzaib’s Club House founder Amena Shahrukh told
GulfWeekly.
“While we usually celebrate with a grand event, the current
situation has made it difficult to host a gathering this year, but we have not
let that stop us.
“We invite all those with Down syndrome, regardless of their
age, to participate,” added the Janabiya resident.
The competition invites entries in the form of a video,
featuring the individual with Down syndrome singing, dancing, or cooking.
The second challenge entitled Odd Socks Day, which is part
of the same initiative, calls on families with member/s having Down syndrome to
send a photo of the whole family wearing their best and brightest hosiery.
Odd socks are popularly worn to show solidarity to those
with Down syndrome. They symbolise individuality and are a call to celebrate
uniqueness.
“If you closely look at chromosomes, they look like socks.
Since socks are usually worn in pairs, wearing a mismatched pair is a way to
celebrate that ‘extra’ genetic material and the beauty of being different,”
explained Amena, who started the club house three years ago.
The platform is an extension of her personal journey with
her late son, Mohammed Shahzaib Lali, who was differently abled. He died of
pneumonia at the age of 21. She brings alive her story in her book Manifest
Differently Abled (2021).
Winners will be declared on April 1. The most creative entry
in each of the two categories will be selected. Additionally, there will be an
early bird prize for the first submission received – video or photo.
The shortlisting process will be a combination of a jury
decision and public voting. The judging panel features Pakistani expatriates
Amena and volunteer Gloria Antony from Tubli, who has been closely working with
the club house and other local platforms for the differently abled for many
years.
Yours truly will join the pair as the guest judge!
“We cannot wait to see the joy and talent you share with us.
Thank you for your continued support and for making this community so special,”
Amena remarked.
Those seeking to participate can send their entries over
WhatsApp to 39571334, and follow
@shahzaibsclubhouse on Instagram for more information.
Meanwhile, Bahrain Down Syndrome Society chairman Adel
Fakhro spoke on the occasion, noting that the celebration of World Down
Syndrome Day represents an important opportunity to renew commitment to issues
affecting society. He pointed out that the role of non-governmental
organisations is not limited to providing services only, but extends to
spreading awareness and building a community culture based on responsibility
and cooperation.
Established in 1998, the humanitarian society is concerned
with caring for new-borns with Down syndrome. It works through the Down
Syndrome Care Centre, which was established in 2001, with the aim of providing
them with the necessary services.
The centre provides a wide range of services, from early
intervention to vocational rehabilitation – guided by scientific methodologies
and professional standards. Additionally, it also offers counselling to the
individuals with Down syndrome and their families, reinforcing this year’s
theme.
Last year, the society announced a significant milestone by
successfully placing 40 individuals with Down syndrome across reputed companies
in the kingdom – a more than 50 per cent increase from the previous year.
The society’s executive manager Ahmed Al-Ali said that the
society continuously seeks to launch quality initiatives and awareness
programmes that contribute to supporting various segments of society. He
pointed out that cooperation with partners from government and private entities
is a key pillar to achieve common goals and promote effective community work.
Those interested in supporting Bahrain Down Syndrome Society
can
call 17825300.
