World Down Syndrome Day Celebration

World Down Syndrome Day Celebrations for the year 2019 was held on the 31st of March, at Thurstan College. This event was organized by the Rotaract District 3220 Sri Lanka and Maldives in collaboration with the State University based Rotaract Clubs.

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, University of Colombo Faculty of Medicine and Kothalawala Defense University joined hands in making this event an immense success.

There were several parts to this event including a medical camp, art competition, game stalls, counseling sessions for parents and teachers and a variety show which showcased the talents of these special kids. Rotaract Clubs of University of Colombo Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo Faculty of Science, University of Colombo Faculty of Medicine and Kothalawala Defense University had taken over the task of organizing the medical camp.

The day started off with the medical camp at 8 in the morning. There were volunteer doctors from the Lady Ridgeway Hospital and 30 medical students from the Faculty of Medicine - devoting their time and effort by providing their services at the medical camp.

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There were clinics for BMI, Weight, Height, Blood Pressure, Blood Glucose, Pediatrics, Clinical Examinations, Dermatology, Physiotherapy, ENT and Speech and Language Therapy. 25 club members of RACUOCFMF volunteered to help out at this medical camp.

Our club members took charge of each clinic by directing patients and assisting them in their medical paperwork. They also did an untiring job at handling clinics and helping the doctors. Simultaneously, the Art competition and the game stalls were conducted during the morning session.

Medical camp was completed by 12.00 pm and the counseling session for parents and teachers was conducted by a consultant in a separate room at Thurstan College. Meanwhile, lunch was provided for everyone who was present at the event.

The variety show was commenced at around 2.30 pm in the auditorium and it was enjoyed by everyone alike. While the performances of these kids on stage were awe-inspiring, the sheer joy emanating from their faces had the power to warm the hearts of just about anyone.

It was indeed a day to cherish. I would like to thank Rtr. Amry Asif and Rtr. Yasindu Mendis for being amazing co-chairs and for supporting me throughout the project. I would also like to thank Rtr. Piyumi Abeywardhana and Rtr. Ashwini de Silva for helping us out with the gift packs to be given for all the participants.

The event was a massive success and it was indeed a great pleasure to have had the priceless opportunity to give something back to the society by helping these wonderful kids and this is an event we will relish for a life time.

Written by:

Rtr. Ayesha Samarathunga
Vice-President (2018/19)