Manitoba Down Syndrome Society

World Down Syndrome Day

World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is a global awareness day that was created to celebrate the lives of people with Down syndrome and to make sure they have the same freedoms & opportunities as everybody else.

Why March 21st?

21st March (21/3) matches the 3 copies of chromosome 21, which is unique to people with Down syndrome.

Thank you for celebrating World Down Syndrome Day 2026 with us!

Our celebration spanned 3 days - from a CBC radio interview on Friday to the Moose game on Saturday to the pancake breakfast on Sunday - thank you for showing up to celebrate!

Radio Interview

On Friday March 20th, MDSS member Courtney was interviewed by Nadia Kidwai for The Weekend Morning Show - and we could not be more proud of her! Listen to Courtney speak about World Down Syndrome Day and this year's theme - Together Against Loneliness

Rocking our Socks

Across the province, people wore their brightest, boldest, or even mismatched socks to say, "Listen up, the Down syndrome community has something to say!".

Manitoba Moose Game

On March 21st, over 110 people joined our group to cheer on the Manitoba Moose! Special thank you to Dean and his family, who volunteered to coordinate our attendance at the Moose game.

Blue & Yellow Lights

In the evening of March 21st, Esplanade Riel and the WINNIPEG sign were lit up blue and yellow

Pancake Breakfast

On the morning of March 22nd, Over 80 people joined us at our pancake breakfast! Special thank you to Susan and her family, who volunteered to coordinate our pancake breakfast event, and thank you to our volunteers who served up delicious pancakes with a side of inclusion!

Ways to Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day 2027

Rock Your Socks!

Wear Your brightest, boldest, or even mismatched socks to say, "Listen up, the Down syndrome community has something to say!". You can help us be heard and bring people together by:

Holding a 'Lots Of Socks' day: Ask your school or workplace to wear bold socks and make a donation to the MDSS.
Getting creative: Color in sock sheets
Sharing a 'Lots Of Socks' selfie: Post a photo of your socks on social media with the hashtag #RockYourSocks to join the global conversation.