Down syndrome achievers honoured

THE FIFTH annual Down Syndrome Ireland “helping hands” awards will be presented tonight at an event in Dublin.

Some 26 awards will be presented as part of the charity’s celebration of World Down Syndrome Day which falls every March 21st. “They are to recognise people who are challenged every day and who have achieved a lot in their lives,” explained Maeve McCreery, fundraising and events manager, yesterday.

As well as people who have Down syndrome, businesses that have been particularly supportive and also volunteers will be presented with awards by Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore. Speaking yesterday, Mr Gilmore said the barriers to leading a a full and independent life were often very high for people with disability.

“These awards show us that this does not have to be the case, particularly when communities and individuals work together.”

Among those honoured tonight will be Mei Linn Yap (20), from Goatstown, Dublin who, as well as being halfway through her first year at Trinity College Dublin, is on the Irish Down syndrome swimming team which took part in the Down Syndrome International Swimming tournament last December. The team came fifth on a board that included teams from 23 other countries.

“I’ve been swimming for 15 years,” says Mei Linn. “I just love the water and train every Friday. Sometimes before I go I hate the idea of going, but once I’m in the water I love it.

“I loved every single second of the swimming in Portugal and the people were very nice.”

She is studying for a qualification in contemporary living at Trinity College, having completed her Leaving Certificate and a course in business and marketing at St Tiernan’s Community College in Dundrum.

A spokeswoman for Down Syndrome Ireland said the awards were also about highlighting the need for continued services for people with Down syndrome, and for their families.

She said services had improved greatly over the past few years, but there were concerns that things could “go back” as the economy flags.

“We would have huge concerns about funding for training centres and some of the service providers such as St Michael’s House.

“I know parents would be afraid they were a soft target for cuts.”