Museum Celebrates 3 Years
February 7, 2020
Herbert Dupre
February 7, 2020
A local Down syndrome awareness group will be hosting its first ever dash.
Upside Downs, a local Down syndrome awareness organization, will be holding Down Syndrome Dash, March 21 from 9am-2pm, at the Bayou Country Children’s Museum. The 5k will go through the nearby Acadia Woods community, will be followed by a 1/10th of a mile walk, and then be followed by a meal provided by a Jambalaya cook off. Live musical entertainment will be provided by Nonc Nu & da Wild Matous and Marc Broussard.
“It’s really going to be a heartwarming experience… coming from a family’s perspective, when you have your friends and family come out and support you,” said Beau Brooks, co-founder. “It just gets overwhelming sometimes. It’s very emotional.”
March 21st is considered World Down Syndrome Day, in recognition of the 3 copies of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome. According to Brooks, since Upside Downs’ formation, March 21st has fallen during the weekday. This year, the date falls on a Saturday, allowing them to hold this event. Upside Downs’ events usually focus on individuals with Down syndrome and their family, said Brooks, and this time the event can include everyone.
The inspiration for Upside Downs was Spencer Brooks and Shawn Patrick, two children born with Down syndrome. The organization is a non-profit which, according to their website, seeks to promote the “upside” or positive aspects of Down syndrome.
Upside Downs seeks to, “Show everyone that individuals with Down syndrome are not that different, with the ultimate goal of trying to increase acceptance and inclusion,” said Beau Brooks.
General admission for the event is $20 and will include admission to the museum. The fee for those participating in the race is $30, and if they sign up by February 29th, they receive a t-shirt. Don’t forget to wear your crazy socks!
For more information or to sign-up, please click here.
