The two-day carnival organised as part of the ‘Joy of Giving Week' for people suffering from Down's Syndrome, provided them a rare opportunity to take part in various entertaining activities and a chance to interact with each other. People in the age group of 14 to 40 years from across the state took part in the event organised by the Down's Syndrome Association of India (Tamil Nadu chapter) in association with Courtyard by Marriot . The campaign held at the Nehru Indoor Stadium also emphasised the need to change our outlook towards people who are intellectually challenged and to mainstream them.
Around 3000 people from 42 institutions took part in the activities which included aerobics, music, fun games like lemon and spoon race and relay. The smile on their faces as they danced enthusiastically was proof enough that they were having a good time. Those who have been selected to represent the country at the Special Olympics 2011 were given prizes. Archana Jayaram, 25, was selected for cycling while her best friend Aarthi will be participating in swimming.
Dr. Rekha Ramachandran, President of the Down‘s Syndrome NGO, said that most people who participated in the event are those with their I.Q level below 7.7. “They need our attention and care,” she said. The event was also an attempt to create awareness among the carers. She said that sometimes the carers may become impatient and resort to scolding or beating. “We should learn to understand them and treat them with love and respect,” she added.
According to Dr. Ramchandran, the problem arises when the carers see this as a ‘paid job'. Many aspects that need regular attention are neglected. An eye-camp conducted for these people revealed a shocking fact that 90 per cent of them were visually impaired. In the same way, ear and dental problems are not detected and treated. The event focused on the health issues and provided all the participants with toiletry kits as many of these children are from economically poor backgrounds. She said that they have a well-equipped medical team that supports this cause and is always ready to render their service to the needy.
Aarthi Madhusoodan, a volunteer with the ‘Joy of Giving Week' initiative said that the idea was to give the participants two days of pure fun.
“The beauty of the campaign is that every aspect of the event is taken care of by sponsors; T-shirts, drinking water, bags... everything was given to all the participants,” she said.
