NIGERIA: Lagos hosted a flurry of sports and arts activities this week aimed at raising awareness of Down's Syndrome

Record ID: 235301

  • Title: NIGERIA: Lagos hosted a flurry of sports and arts activities this week aimed at raising awareness of Down's Syndrome
  • Date: 23rd March 2011
  • Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (English) UGIOMOH BRUCE, DOWN'S SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA SAYING: "The idea is that the society should show these people love and provide for them, they might not be able to learn to read and write like others but they are quite skilled in other areas and that is why it is important for early intervention." VARIOUS OF CROWD
  • Embargoed: 7th April 2011 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Nigeria, Nigeria
  • Country: Nigeria
  • Topics: Health
  • Reuters ID: LVA1IIOANUFSRTBZ9LENYNKQE944
  • Story Text: Lagos hosted a day of sports and arts activities for children with Down's Syndrome this week, as part of an international effort to raise awareness on the condition.
    The celebrations, which included public lectures, sports and dance performances and a comedy show, were lead by the Down's Syndrome Association Nigeria. The organisation was set up in 2001 by a parent of a child with Down's Syndrome and is now the biggest organisation of its kind in west Africa.
    Ugiomoh Bruce, an official at the foundation said the society's aims were to support people with Down's while raising awareness of the condition in Nigeria.
    "The idea is that the society should show these people love and provide for them, they might not be able to learn to read and write like some but they are quite skilled in other areas and that is why it is important for early intervention," he said.
    Down's Syndrome is a chromosomal condition that is genetic and can affect a person's cognitive ability and physical growth.
    Experts say thousands of people are affected by the condition in Nigeria but they are still unsure of exact numbers, partly because of stigmas surrounding disability that deter some parents from registering their children or seeking medical and educational help.
    Oshin Bola, whose son was born with the condition was at the gala to watch him compete in the sports events and said she was delighted when his team picked up the top trophy for sporting achievement, meaning they'll get a shot at competing in international games in Athens later this year.
    "It is not going to Athens that matters most, but he is going to represent Nigeria as a team. That is enough for me to be proud of him, it is not by my making, neither his, it is the making of God and I am happy because God knows what he does at the right time," she said.
    The gala in Lagos was part of World Down's Syndrome Day (WDSD) on Monday (March 19), an event supported by global organisations and advocacy groups.
    There are over 5.8 million people with Down's Syndrome worldwide.
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