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 Improving the quality of life for Russian children with Down syndromeExpress News Downside Up
August 2009
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Dear friends and partners!
The main theme of this issue is sports. This is because year after year our biggest event in August has been Red Square Charity Bike Ride whose participants support our children. By this issue’s makeup date 18 companies have confirmed participation of 109 people. Let us wish them more descents and less ascents, (or, in the figurative sense, the other way round J)
Read in this issue:
Let Us Hug in Red Square!
People with unlimited potential
The Forum is Useful for Everyone
Make You Heart Work
Cycling Trips Gather Pace
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Let Us Hug in Red Square!
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Hugging is much easier than bicycling a hundred 100 kilometers. But hugging is yet another way to support people with Down syndrome. To watch people the world over hug each other see here.
At 11.00-13.00 on 30th August there will be quite a few people to hug in Red Square – Vice-Miss Universe Vera Krassova, broadcaster Tutta Larsen, a journalist with a camera, a policeman Vasily, anyone you choose, and, most importantly, kids with Down syndrome and their mums and dads. In addition to hugging, you will have an opportunity to put a donation into a donations box, paint matreshka dolls, mould souvenirs and take a puzzle to pieces J. The event will culminate at noon to the accompaniment of the Kremlin chime when we will welcome the 150 daring bikers who criss-crossed Moscow region for two long days, and cheer the kids with Down syndrome crossing Red Square on bicycles. The password for entering Red Square: Downside Up. For more details please contact Anna Bartunova at bartunova@downsideup.org, or +7 (499) 367-1000.
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People with unlimited potential
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Tahnee Afuhaamango from Australia, 25, has won 7 gold and 2 silver medals and set up 6 world records in swimming at Down Syndrome International Swimming Organisation Championship in Portugal in 2008.
A twenty-years-old American Brad Hennefer has played golf since he was three. His parents hold annual gold tournaments for individuals who have Down syndrome.
And, finally, a twenty-years-old Andrey Vostrikov from Russia is a multiple Olympic gymnastics champion of Russian and world tournaments for children and young people with Down syndrome. You can meet Andrey at the 2009 Bike Ride.
These people’s sports achievements are to a large extent due to early motor development enabling them to overcome the low muscle tonus and week ligaments typical of individuals with Down syndrome. To learn about development specifics of children with Down syndrome please visit Downside Up consultative forum. Read about our forum in this issue.
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The Forum is Useful for Everyone
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APolina Zhiyanova is a heaven-born teacher. She has worked with children with special needs for 35 years. Polina publishes methodological books, works out teaching methods and, since recently, has administered Downside Up internet forum for parents and specialists. 440 users, primarily residents of Russian regions, have registered in the forum to date. Although summer is a vacation time for Downside Up special teachers, they find time to visit the site. An “on-duty” teacher is available at Downside Up Early Interventions Centre at all times, as children with Down syndrome are born in all seasons . Anyone visiting the forum can receive first-hand information about the problems that such families face, make sure that the families can be helped, and join us in supporting them.
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“Make you heart work, train it by loving, understanding and well-doing”, says Elena Zotova, a mother, photographer, and Downside Up volunteer.
http://zotova-elena.livejournal.com
“When I attended a seminar of a legendary celebrity wedding photographer Joe Bussink, I expected to hear about anything but charity. According to Joe Bussink, the ability to “see with you heart” is a key element in the art of photography, and the easiest way to master such vision is by practicing charity…” to read more...
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| Cycling Trips Gather Pace |
On a sunny Sunday of 4th July a group of Downside Up friends embarked on a one-day cycling trip. Their rout ran through pine woods, rye fields, past a lake, picturesque old church and lotus pond. The noon halt at a spring-well took longer than expected, because the cyclers discovered a HUGE strawberry field, and lingered on to admire racehorses at a horse farm. Check our site for new cycling trip announcements and JOIN US!
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It’s official. The warm glow you get when you donate to charity has a physiological basis, according to The Economist. Scientists have found that giving engages the part of the brain that produces euphoria-inducing dopamine, the hormone associated with food, money… and sex. Donation also stimulates the release of the hormone oxytocin that is at work when a couple is in love, or when mother and child bond.
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