On 21st March, World Down Syndrome Day, Down Syndrome Sligo and Sligo County Council led the way in raising awareness and promoting greater inclusion for individuals with Down Syndrome.
World Down Syndrome Day 2025
Mayor of Sligo, Councillor Tom MacSharry hosted a meet and greet in City Hall, welcoming members of Down Syndrome Sligo, their families, business representatives and supporters.
In a show of solidarity, Sligo City Hall was illuminated in purple on this day, the globally recognised colour for Down Syndrome Awareness.
Members of Down Syndrome Sligo along with Music Generation Sligo performed songs and carefully choreographed dance routines at this uplifting event. The celebrations not only highlighted the talents and contributions of people with Down Syndrome but also focused on creating meaningful employment opportunities to ensure that people with Down Syndrome have the same chances to thrive as everyone else in society. Down Syndrome Sligo provides vital support, social and employment opportunities for its members
Speaking at the gathering in City Hall Mayor Mac Sharry said
“As a society, we have come a long way with most children with Down Syndrome now attending mainstream crèches and schools and some adults participating in the mainstream workforce but we still have a long way to go to becoming fully inclusive. Services are often lacking for people with Down Syndrome and opportunities are not guaranteed”. He added “The message coming from today is that we want society as whole to encourage and challenge people with disabilities to reach their potential, whether they are classmates, club mates or work mates”.
