World Down Syndrome Day will be held on 21 March.

The decision was taken by the boards of the Down Syndrome International (DSI) and the European Down Syndrome Association (Edsa) at the 6th International Symposium on down syndrome held in Palma, Majorca.

The 21st day of the 3rd month was chosen in order to highlight and promote a greater understanding of down syndrome which is associated with 3 copies of chromosome 21 (Trisomy 21).

The city of Bruges has accepted this first World Down Syndrome Day as a godchild. Patrick Moenaert, as the mayor of Bruges and father of a girl who has down syndrome, has accepted to do the official declaration of this first World Down Syndrome Day. Although at a very short notice, the DSI and the Edsa are requesting all members to celebrate the first World Down Syndrome Day in their own countries.

The Down Syndrome Association of Malta is a member of both the DSI and the Edsa and it will be celebrating the first World Down Syndrome day in Malta with Mass being celebrated by the Archbishop Guzeppi Mercieca.

This will be said on Monday 20 March at 6pm at St John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta.