World Down’s Syndrome Day 2019: Why Odd Socks Day and #LotsOfSocks is trending
Down Syndrome Day is a global event marked every year where people come together to raise public awareness about the genetic condition.
The day was created to celebrate the lives of people with Down's syndrome and to make sure that they have the same freedoms and opportunities as everybody else.
This year's theme is "Leave no one behind," to emphasise that "all people with Down's syndrome must have opportunities to live fulfilling lives, included on a full and equal basis with others, in all aspects of society."
Here's everything you need to know about Down Syndrome Day:
When is Down Syndrome Day?
Down's Syndrome Day is celebrated all over the world every year on 21 March.
Why are people wearing odd socks on Down Syndrome Day?
This Down Syndrome Day, people around the world are wearing odd socks and using the hashtag #LotsOfSocks on social media to raise awareness of the cause.
Socks have been used as the symbol because chromosomes are shaped "like socks" and people with Down's syndrome are born with an extra one.
Down's syndrome, also known as Down syndrome or trisomy 21, is a genetic condition that typically causes some level of learning disability to varying degrees and certain physical characteristics.
According to Down’s syndrome Association, around one in every 1000 babies born in the UK will have Down’s syndrome and there are approximately 40,000 people in the UK with the condition at present
Have you snapped your odd socks yet and posted them on Instagram? If not, do it today.
