The events will be held from Saturday 18 March until Friday 24 March, spanning from sports and cultural activities to voluntary blood donation and fashion show with members of the Association participating.

PAOK FC are Golden Sponsors of the events and support the work and efforts of the Down Syndrome Association of Greece with respect and sensitivity.

A few words about the Association

The Down Syndrome Association of Greece was established in Thessaloniki in 1990 through the initiative of Ms Charikleia Chatzisevastou-Loukidou, Professor of Pediatrics, Genetics Clinic, A.U.TH. It is the first organized group of parents of children with Down Syndrome in Greece. The Assocation is a Non-Profit Organisation for the Provision of Social Welfare Services that is registered with and supervised by the Ministry of Health and Social Solidarity

The vision of the Association is for all citizens to live and participate in a society which provides equal living conditions and opportunities to all. For this purpose, the principles of equal opportunities and equality for all people are the driving force behind the organization.

Their mission is to develop actions related to specialized training and organized activities for persons with Down Syndrome, in order to create a supportive learning environment and provide a recreation program for our beneficiaries.

The Association has 450 members and services 100 persons on a daily basis through educational programs and activities, addressed to the children with Down Syndrome and their parents. The headquarters are in Kato Toumba (31, Karanivalou Str.), but will soon move to new installations in Kalamaria.

Schedule of events

• Friday 17 March, 14:30, Press conference of the Association in Press Room of Toumba Stadium (PAOK FC)
• Saturday 18 March, 10:00-14:00, 3rd Bowling Tournament in Pin City, Pylea (75m 17th November Str).
• Sunday 19 March, 12:00 Opening of “I can” Photography Exhibition in Conference Centre of Piraeus Bank, Ladadika (12-14, Katouni Str.) The exhibition will remain open until 27 March 2017 (10:00-13:00 and 17:00-20:00, free admission).
• Monday 20 March, 08:30-13:00, 5th Voluntary Blood Donation. 2, Aggelaki Str.
• Tuesday 21 March, 10:30, «Hug-Live» the White Tower. We all hug the symbol of our city and we expect you by our side!
• 19:00 Speech about Down Syndrome by Dr Stylianos Antonarakis in Conference Centre of Piraeus Bank, Ladadika (12-14, Katouni Str.). He is Professor and President of Genetics Studies of Gevena Medical School, the man who established the World Down Syndrome Day (free admission).
• Wednesday 22 March, 20:00, Fashion Show with the participation of young boys and girls of Down Syndrome Association of Greece. To be held in Vellidio Conference Centre, Stratou Av. & 3 September.
• Thursday 23 March, 17:00-19:00, Sports show (zumba, cheerleading, folk dances, rhythmic gymnastics), speech about Down Syndrome and the work accomplished by Down Syndrome Association of Greece. To be held in Überdooze (Danaidon & Sfetsiou Str.)
• Friday 24 March, 17:00-19:00, Young boys and girls with Down Syndrome will serve your coffee at café-bar “menta”, Κomninon 20, (the coffee is… on the house).