ABU DHABI // There was singing, dancing and jumping at Yas Mall on Wednesday as families celebrated the people in their lives who have Down syndrome.
At the walkathon, held two days after World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, children with Down syndrome performed the UAE’s national anthem on musical instruments, while others showed off their dance moves to popular tunes.
While the UAE has a higher than average rate of Down syndrome – one in 449 for all births and one in 319 for Emiratis, compared with a global average of about one in 800 – parents said there was still a lack of awareness of the condition.
The event was attended by about 300 parents and children, including Emirati Sharif Al Shami, whose 13-year-old son Omar has Down syndrome.
“Just to involve the children is very important. These children have potential for the future just like other children. Despite all efforts, awareness can do with improvement,” said Mr Al Shamsi, who works for the Government. “The facilities are available in Abu Dhabi, but all schools should work together to absorb the children who have Down syndrome. It may need more effort, but these children have the potential.”
The event was organised by the Emirates Down Syndrome Association (Edsa), which announced it would build a centre in the capital to support those with the condition. It already operates a centre in Dubai.
Ameera Al Qubati, founder of the Abu Dhabi chapter of Edsa, said that the new centre would be the first of its kind in the capital and would include a “very good library and information centre”.
“We want to raise awareness in Abu Dhabi first, because this is lacking here,” she said.
As well as celebrating World Down Syndrome Day, Ms Al Qubati said the event aimed to remind “parents to treat their children who have Down syndrome in the same way as they treat all their children”.
Amal Salim, 31, an Emirati, was at the event with her 16-year-old Down syndrome brother.
“The centre will be very important because parents and people don’t know about those who have this disorder,” Ms Salim said. “They should be in regular schools so that children can also learn about them.”
She also hoped there would be more clubs and activities for children with Down syndrome.
Eida Al Hanaie, 20, an Emirati, attended with her family to support her 16-year-old brother.
“There are many people who don’t know how to behave around people who have Down syndrome,” said Ms Al Hanaie, who is studying aviation engineering. “Many of my brother’s friends don’t know how to talk with him.”
Saoud Al Khoory, deputy general manager at Yas Mall, said: “I have family who are affected by Down syndrome and it’s something very close to us. We want to show the importance of these people and how they contribute to the community.”
The event was also supported by the Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs.
arizvi2@thenational.ae
