Youths stage walk-for-people with Down Syndrome

Some members of Leo Club, the youth wing of Lions Club International, have called on Nigerians from all walks of life to support people with Down Syndrome. They particularly advised against stigmatizing children with Down Syndrome as they are integral part of the society. Down Syndrome (DS or DNS), also known as trisomy 21, is […]

Some members of Leo Club, the youth wing of Lions Club International, have called on Nigerians from all walks of life to support people with Down Syndrome.

They particularly advised against stigmatizing children with Down Syndrome as they are integral part of the society.

Down Syndrome (DS or DNS), also known as trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21.

Speaking in Lagos during the exercise, president of the club, Leo Olayinka Wahab Abiola said the event was in commemoration of International Youth Day and 60th anniversary of Leo club.

He said the district came up with the programme to galvanize public’s support for people with Down Syndrome.

Abiola explained that the group partnered with the Down Syndrome Foundation in Surulere, Lagos while also donating to people with the medical condition.

According to him, the group would also hold literacy programme with the children suffering from the syndrome as a way of showing support and encouragement.

“We are doing this to tell the people that those with Down Syndrome are normal human beings and they should not be stigmatized. They deserve our support. They deserve our care and assistance at all times. We should not let them feel lonely at any time,” he said.