12 March 2015

RTE’s Ray D’Arcy reunited with his old friend from ‘The Den’, Socky the Sock Monster, today to launch the World Down Syndrome Day ‘Lots of Socks’ campaign. 2015 marks the tenth anniversary of the day which takes place on March 21st.

This year Down Syndrome Ireland is encouraging people to get involved in raising money or creating awareness in two ways: You can participate by wearing odd socks on March 21st and posting a ‘footsie’ (foot selfie) on social media using the #Footsie4DSI hashtag or make a €2 donation by texting DSI to 50300.  

Each year the voice of people with Down syndrome, and those who live and work with them, grows louder and March 21st is about raising awareness of what Down syndrome is, what it means to have Down syndrome, and how people with Down syndrome play a vital role in our lives and communities.

Speaking at the launch of the World Down Syndrome Day 2015 campaign, Ray D’Arcy, RTE Radio 1 Presenter said, “Give it socks! I'm delighted to support the tenth anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day and Down Syndrome Ireland who do amazing work. It was a real pleasure to meet little Lily Mae and Conor, two of the cutest children in Ireland.”

Pat Clarke, CEO, Down Syndrome Ireland said, “World Down Syndrome Day is about more than creating awareness, it is a celebration of every person who has Down syndrome. It is their day to be proud of who they are and all that makes them so special and unique. Our organisation is a family led organisation that places the person with Down syndrome at the centre of everything that we do. We are urging everyone to get involved on March 21st, wearing odd socks on March 21st and posting a ‘footsie’ (foot selfie) on social media using the #Footsie4DSI hashtag and or make a €2 donation by texting DSI to 50300.

For more information visit: www.downsyndromeireland.ie