A Happy Walk with Down Syndrome Children
Happy Walk 2013
To ‘walk‘ is an action, but to be ‘happy‘ is a choice. It is almost natural for people with Down Syndrome to be happy even with simple things. But for their parents, choosing to be happy with the situation of their child is an important and crucial decision of acceptance from the heart.
Face-Painting Activity
This February, the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI) celebrates the 11th Down Syndrome Consciousness Month with “Happy Walk 2013” which happened earlier – February 24, 2013 – at SM City North EDSA Skydome.
The whole day affair was attended by more than a thousand participants consisting of children with Down Syndrome and their parents and relatives. Registration started as early as 8 am as people started to fill up the seats of the venue.
The month-long celebrations also coincides with the 21st year of DSAPI and other major events such as the recently held 10th DISAPI Golf Cup at the Tagaytay Midlands Golf Club, among others.
Calambenos’ Support
Countdown Happy Walk 2013
Entitled “Count DOWN 3-2-1,” the children participants indeed has so much to count in terms of activities for them during the whole day. A mass preceded the opening ceremony for the Happy Walk proper where the children paraded around SM North EDSA main mall and the Sky Garden grounds.
‘Walk’ Participants
Happy Walk Supporters
Parade Performers & Entertainers
At Venue Skydome , SM City North EDSA
There is also an ongoing photo exhibit of workshops and activities of DSAPI with Photography with a Difference (PWD) at the 3rd level of The Block.
For the unfamiliar, DSAPI is a volunteer-based organization that was established in February 1992 while Down Syndrome is a random genetic disorder that occurs in 1 in 800 to 1 in 1000 childbirths.
Jam-packed Skydome
Participants inside Skydome, SM North EDSA
Children with Down Syndrome dance to the tune of “Gangnam Style” music craze
Morning Program
Back at the Skydome, Emcees Sarah Lapena and Byron Ungson led the national anthem. This was followed by the crowd-drawer Gangnam Style dance number participated by the children with Down Syndrome themselves.
The welcoming remarks, message and keynote were delivered by Ms. Agnes Lapena (Happy Walk 2013 Chairperson), Mr. Tony Pasia (DSAPI Chairman), and Engr. Bien Mateo (VP Operations SM Northern Region & Chairman of SM Program on Disability Affairs), respectively.
Mr. Tony Pasia, DSAPI Chairman
Engr. Bien Mateo, VP Operations SM Northern Region & Chairman of SM Program on Disability Affairs
Another highlight of the program was the inspirational talk by Brina Kei Maxino, 2013 Special
Olympics Global Youth Ambassador and daughter of 2010 Happiest Pinoy Winston Maxino.
Winston Maxino, Father of Brina Kei and Happiest Pinoy 2010 Winner
Brina Kei Maxino
Afternoon Program
The afternoon program continues the fun with an Amazing Race activity inside SM North EDSA and sports activities inside the Skydome. The winners for the Canon Photo contest point-and-shoot and DSLR categories were announced as well. The event closed by 4pm.
Canon was among the supporters of the event
Photo Contest Theme
Awarding Ceremonies
The event was supported by SM Cares, SM Program on Disability Affairs, Canon, and PWD.
Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc.
2F 6372 Agrifina Bldg, Camia corner Meleguas Streets, Guadalupe Viejo, Makati City. (there are also a Cebu & Davao branch)
Tel nos.: (+63.2) 895-96-42 and (+63.2) 895-36-06
[email protected]
www.dsapi.org
“Love the child as a child first, and the child will bloom.“
Happy Walk 2013: Count Down 3-2-1
Indeed, it was heartwarming to witness the love of the parents and the happiness of the children with Down Syndrome do the “Happy Walk” with SM Cares at SM City North EDSA’s Skydome.
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About Author
Jon
Jonel Uy is the EIC of BloggerManila.com. Graduating from UP Diliman with a degree in Computer Science, he is also the Managing Director of #DigitalCircles.asia engaging and amplifying social media campaigns for brands. On Mondays, he teaches information technology classes at Grace Christian College. Know more about him at JonelUy.com
Thank you to the organizers for this event. My kid had fun.