Down Syndrome Cork encourages public to get behind 'lots of socks' campaign 

Tomorrow is World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), and the students at the Down Syndrome Cork Field of Dreams will be helping out with bucket shakes to raise funds.

The date for WDSD is set each year on the 21st day of the third month as a representation of the extra copy of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome that people with Down syndrome are born with.

Under a microscope, that extra chromosome is said to resemble socks, so odd socks are used to symbolise WDSD, and members of the public can celebrate the day by organising ‘lots of socks’ events in their school, workplace, or home.

This year’s theme is ‘Improve Our Support Systems’, and members of Down Syndrome Ireland are asking the public to ‘Support Our Dreams’.

In the Down Syndrome Cork Field of Dreams, students are planning to mark WDSD with a day-long event called ‘Hollywood Comes to the Field’.

Down Syndrome Cork bucket shakes will take place in Ballincollig, Wilton, Cork city centre, Mahon, and Douglas today and in Midleton and Youghal tomorrow.