On Saturday December 5th the Utah County Chapter had breakfast with Santa! The smiles were seen near and far on the faces of our beautiful children. When you watch this wonderful slide show be sure to check out the handsome elf!
Our self-advocate Dawn with Anthony Shriver
The UDSF is proud to say they know some very talented individuals. We are also very proud of those people who advocate and support individuals with Down syndrome. Below are links to some wonderful thing happening in our state!
It is time we SPREAD THE WORD TO END THE WORD!
March 31, 2009 is a national day of awareness for America to stop and think about their use of the R-word. That R-word is not “recession,” but something more hurtful and painful – “retard.” Most people don’t think of this word as hate speech, but that’s exactly what it feels like to millions of people with intellectual disabilities, their families and their friends.
This word is just as cruel and offensive as any other slur.
Visit www.r-word.org to learn more and pledge to help make a difference.
WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY
The following was sent to me from Sujeet’s mother…
On February 7th 2009 in front of 14,000 audiences from 96 countries Sujeet played his “Adagio” by Mozart at the opening ceremony of World Winter Sp. Olympics. Before his performance he was interviewed on the stage by Olympian ice skater “Kristi Yamaguchi. A day before Sujeet met saxophonist “Kenny G”, who impressed by Sujeet’s music talents played a duet with him as well in press media coverage expressed that Sp. Olympics should invite them in future to perform a Duet !
We had Sujeet’s fan around the world know about possible live broadcast of this event. However it was never shown live in US or NY State it self we were not able to video tape (or take photos) of Sujeet while he was performing as we were back stage with him.
After our return home we had hundred of emails & phone calls that they were disappointed for missing Sujeet’s broadcast. That’s when I realized that hardly any of the US media was covering this event. Reporters from all over the world traveled thousands of miles to get glimpses of these extraordinary athletes & musicians, but the hosting country. There was article written by Sp.Olympics of NY state where there was a line written on Sujeet while other celebrities were highly praised who in-fact world know already how famous they are.
As a parent I know how hard Sujeet works for his each performance. He prepares himself to make each one to be perfect. His music teachers and his support staff work with him for countless hours’ months ahead the event. Therefore when Sujeet’s presentations gets praise the recognition goes even beyond Sujeet’s hard work to his team. However on the other hand when Sujeet’s work is not appreciated the entire team gets discouraged & disappointed. This Special Olympics event was started for “individuals with special needs” to recognize and encourage their special talents. Rather than to celebrate the already recognized celebrities!
After Sujeet’s performance he received many hugs with tearful eyes from those who did not even know him. It would have meant much more to Sujeet after his return home a welcome by his home town, his community and his own State who knows him. New York which he has represented for last 20 years in various Special Olympic events National as well Internationals and has brought medals including the 1999 World Sumer Games with Gold & Silver medals .
Kristy Colvin a parent of a bright young son born with Mosaic Down syndrome has written a blog about this with the same heart-ache that I felt. Kristy speaks for us parents who work hard to “Make Things happen” for our special children.
Therefore I urge you to read this blog with Sujeet’s photos . Please leave a comment. Let our community, our media know that we all are on the same page with Kristy! This is the link for Kristy’s blog titled “Flame of Hope or ashes of Despair”
The following email was sent to me to share!
I know many young adults with Down syndrome that participate with the Special Olympics and I’m sure there are many more that love to swim. This is exciting because it is the first time a specific, open invitation has been offered to athletes with disabilities in swimming.
To get your child involved in the Utah Summer Games Swimming Competitions click here contacts are Bruce Barclay and Wendy Hutchinson.
For general questions you can contact Barry Hayden at brryhy@aol.com
We’re sorry it has been so long since the last post! We get caught up in our day to day family lives just like you do! Let’s get updated on a few things.
First, there is a wonderful woman, Jaxson’s mom , who makes blankets. I asked her if I could share her information and she said YES! This woman is amazing to be able to do this. So check out her blog.
Next, we have had some wonderful Christmas parties and other fun events. We want to thank everyone for coming out and sharing their beautiful children with us. Videos will be made soon and posted. I think this link is open so you can see Utah County’s party pictures.
Don’t forget to check out the calendar! We have added the eReadingPro information and the Utah Family Links Conference information.
If you are no longer receiving the Advocate or the Low-Down you need to update your information.
On Friday, November 21st the Summit/Wasatch Chapter got together and bowled! Holiday Lanes was the location for all the excitment and good food. We ate the #1 rated hamburgers in Heber! A great time was had by all! Thanks Jen for setting this up!!
One of very own Utah kids has her picture in the NDSS 2008 Buddy Walk Video that is shown in Time Square!
Miss Jacqui’s picture is of her climbing the red sandstone of beautiful Dixie. Her picture is about 10 minutes into the video.
We wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving!
We have families in the news!
Cute little Heidi Mae was in the Salt Lake Tribune getting into the Halloween Spirit.
