16 February 2017

Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI), with the support of Today FM’s Matt Cooper, are encouraging people to get active for the second annual DSI ‘Purple Run’ and help celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. This year DSI is encouraging everyone to ‘Run with us, not for us’ as the event is a celebration of people with Down syndrome in Ireland. The Purple Run will take place on Saturday March 25th at 11am, in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.

The event is open to all age groups and abilities and participants can choose to run, walk or push a buggy over the 5km or 1km distance, allowing all the family to take part. Registration for the event takes place online only and costs €20 which includes a ‘Down Syndrome Ireland Purple Run 2017’ t-shirt. People with Down syndrome and under-sixteens can enter for free.

The event promises to be lots of fun for all the family with clowns and face painters, as well as live music to keep everyone entertained. Down Syndrome Ireland would like everyone attending the event to wear something purple such as wigs, hats, boas, bow ties, etc. in support of the ‘Purple Run’ and to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. It is expected over 2,000 people will participate in the event with people, including many DSI member families, travelling from all over Ireland.

Speaking at the launch of the Purple Run, Matt Cooper said, “I’m delighted to be involved with the Purple Run again this year for Down Syndrome Ireland. It is a fantastic all-inclusive event for a great cause and I encourage as many people as possible to register and join me on the day”

Speaking about the upcoming event, Mary Doherty, President, Down Syndrome Ireland, said, “The Purple Run is more than just about creating awareness, it is a celebration of every person with Down syndrome, their families and those who support them. Down Syndrome Ireland is a family led organisation that places the person with Down syndrome at the centre of everything we do. We are urging everyone to get involved in the Purple Run on March 25th which like last year, is guaranteed to be a fantastic fun event for all the family”.

To register for the Purple Run and find out more information on Down Syndrome Ireland, please visit www.downsyndrome.ie or find them on Facebook and Twitter.