World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is observed globally on 21 March, this year Kaizer Chiefs will be teaming up with Down Syndrome South Africa and the Spanish-based Itinerarium Foundation, to raise awareness to the various challenges faced by persons with down syndrome.

Each year, the global Down Syndrome community unites to raise awareness, advocate for rights, and celebrate the contributions of people with Down Syndrome. On Saturday, Chiefs Junior teams will participate in DSSA’s The Rock Your Socks Campaign, where they will warm up ahead of their Gauteng Development League games against Randburg AFC wearing mis-matched socks.

The symbolism of wearing mismatches socks is because Chromosomes look like socks when viewed under a microscope. People with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21 (Trisomy 21). The concept behind mismatched socks is to start conversations which spark curiosity opening the door to awareness and learning.

Elaine Passmoor, National Executive Director of DSSA, commented on her organization teaming up with Amakhosi saying, “DSSA is privileged to partner with Kaizer Chiefs F.C., whose support helps amplify awareness and promote inclusion within communities across South Africa. Partnerships like these play an important role in ensuring that persons with Down syndrome are seen, valued, and included in all aspects of society.”,

In addition, Amakhosi are also working with the Barcelona-based Itinerarium Foundation and will wear a special font on their jerseys, created by Anna Vives an artist from Barcelona with Down Syndrome. and the creator of the world’s first social type face when they face their Orlando Pirates counterparts, at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 29 March.

Chiefs will be one of eight teams globally, along with three European Clubs including FC Barcelona (Spain), FC Porto (Portugal) and Dynamo Kyiv (Ukraine), four clubs from the America’s, Corinthians (Brazil), Club America (Mexico), Universidad Catolica (Chile) and River Plate (Argentina), who will wear the typeface created by Anna on their jerseys over the next few weeks.

Director of the Itinerarium Foundation, Marc Vives, complimented Chiefs for being part of this global initiative,

“We are grateful to Kaizer Chiefs for joining global clubs like FC Barcelona and others to be part of creating awareness of the challenges faced by persons with Down Syndrome and their ability to work past these. Chiefs will be part of our global Visible IN campaign which looks to promote visibility and social equity.”

Amakhosi marketing director Jessica Motaung believes that the club in working with both foundations are advocating for a very important social cause, “world Down Syndrome Day reminds us that inclusion is everyone’s responsibility. By standing Together Against Loneliness, we can build communities where persons with Down syndrome are not isolated but connected, respected, and empowered. Both the projects that we have teamed up with are examples of this as they have demonstrated the abilities and resilience of people with Down Syndrome.

Amakhosi will look to host person’s with Down Syndrome at their GDL games on the 21^st March and their Premiership Game against Magesi at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on the same day.

For further information please contact:

Elaine Passmoor – National Executive Director (DSSA)

Email: dssa.ned@icon.co.za

Website: www.downsyndrome.org.za