It’s the Down’s Syndrome Association’s 50th year – and we’re ready to celebrate at the DSA!
With everyone looking forward to the various plans and campaigns planned for the year, we asked a few staff members from around the organisation about their highlights of 2019, and what they are looking forward to in 2020!
Chris – Information Officer
What was your personal highlight of last year?
My highlight was playing Ultimate Frisbee with my colleagues last summer. It was great to be active and in the sun.
What was the ‘Stand Out Moment’ for the information team?
The stand out for me was publishing the Down’s Syndrome Association’s ‘Lets talk about sex and relationships’ resources!
What was your sporting highlight of 2019?
Steven Smith scoring an incredible 211 vs England at Old Trafford.
What is one thing you are excited about for the Down’s Syndrome Association in 2020?
The 50th anniversary!
What are you most excited about for your team this year?
Continuing our work in supporting people with Down’s syndrome and increasing the amount of people we support.
And finally, what is one sporting event you’re excited about this year?
Liverpool winning the league and rubbing it into Man Utd fans faces forever and ever and ever.
Sheelagh – Fundraising Manager
What was your personal highlight of last year?
Fundraising hitting over £90k for Awareness week in March 2019 – up £30k from the previous year!
What was the ‘Stand Out Moment’ for the fundraising team?
Exceeding the fundraising target for the year 18/19.
What was your sporting highlight of 2019?
Team 21’s London Marathon. A great day was had by all and we raised over £84k!!
What is one thing you are excited about for the Down’s Syndrome Association in 2020?
The 50th Anniversary celebrations
What are you most excited about for your team this year?
We are running a World Down’s Syndrome Day Parachute Jump and Family Day on 21st March
And finally, what is one sporting event you’re excited about this year?
Has to be the London to Brighton walk. At least 2 members of the team are taking on this challenge to walk 100km (!!) through the night in May, to raise funds for the DSA.
Emma – DSActive Sports Officer
What was your personal highlight of last year?
My highlight was meeting Andy Murray! He also came to a DSActive Tennis session which we were so excited about!
Image Courtesy of Fulham Foundation.
What was the ‘Stand Out Moment’ for the DSActive team?
The launch of the Health Swap app and it being discussed in government!
What was your sporting highlight of 2019?
Running the 1st National Tennis Festival for DSActive at National Tennis Centre, Roehampton.
What is one thing you are excited about for the Down’s Syndrome Association in 2020?
It being the 50th Anniversary of the charity.
What are you most excited about for your team this year?
Launching lots of new sports and activities such as rugby, cricket and sailing to give opportunities for even more people with Down’s syndrome to get active.
And finally, what is one sporting event you’re excited about this year?
My highlight is always National Festival! Especially with this year being it’s 10th anniversary!
Thank you to everyone who took the time to answer the questions. For more information about what the Down’s Syndrome Association are doing for their 50th Anniversary look for updates on Facebook or Twitter or click here.
