World Down Syndrome Day Celebrations 2018

World Down Syndrome Day Celebrations was held on the 31st of March, at Visakha Vidyalaya. This event was organized by the Rotaract District 3220 Sri Lanka and Maldives in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Association for Child Development. Rotaract clubs of University of Kelaniya, University of Peradeniya, University of Sri Jayawardenapura, University of Moratuwa, University of Colombo Faculty of Science, University of Colombo Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo Faculty of Law, University of Colombo Faculty of Management and Finance and Kothalawala Defence University; all of which is a part of Rotaract District 3220 joined forces in making this event a massive success. 

There were several parts to this event including a medical camp, art competition, game stalls, Open Forum for parents and teachers and a variety show which showcased the talents of these special kids. RACs of University of Colombo Faculty of Management and Finance and University of Colombo Faculty of Science were in charge of organizing the medical camp for the Down syndrome kids in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Association for Child Development. 

Event started with the medical camp which commenced at 8.00 am. There were 20 doctors from the Lady Ridgeway Hospital and 25 medical students from the Faculty of Medicine, Kothalawala Defence University, who devoted their time and effort by providing their services at the medical camp. There were 7 clinics which were Paediatrics, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cardiology, Genetics, Ophthalmology, Physiotherapy and Speech and Language Therapy. 31 club members of RACUOCFMF volunteered to help out in the medical camp. Our club members were in charge of each clinic where they had to assist the patients and help them with their paper work. Our club members also did a massive job in handling clinics and helping the doctors. The Art competition and the game stalls also happened simultaneously with the medical camp during the morning session.

Medical camp concluded at around 12.00 pm and the Open Forum for parents and teachers which was conducted by the Sri Lanka Association for Child Development was held at the auditorium of Visakha Vidyalaya. Meanwhile, lunch was provided for everyone who was present at the event. 

The variety show commenced at around 2.30 pm at the auditorium and it was enjoyed by everyone who was present for the event. It was overwhelming to see the great performances of these kids who showcased their enchanting talents on the stage. The audience was delighted and everyone cheered for these kids who performed to the best of their ability on the stage. 

I would like to thank Rtr. Manahari Singarachchi for being an amazing co-chair and for guiding me throughout the project. I would also like to thank Rtr. Dinithi Cooray for helping us to get the gift packs for all the participants.

The event was a massive success and it was our great pleasure to have had the opportunity to give back to the community by helping these amazing kids and this is an event we will forever cherish as a memory.

Written By: Rtr. Vishmi Withanage - Club Member

Clicks By: Official Media Arm of Rotaract District 3220