HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

152nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 17

RECOGNIZING MARCH 21, 2023 "ROCK YOUR SOCKS FOR WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY."

WHEREAS, March 21, 2023, marks the 17th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day, a day to raise global

awareness of what Down syndrome is, what it means to have Down syndrome, and how people with Down syndrome are a beautiful and vital part of our communities; and

WHEREAS, about 1 in 700 (or 6,000) babies are born each year with Down syndrome in the United States; and

WHEREAS, nationwide there are more than 400,000 individuals with Down syndrome: and

WHEREAS, each person with Down syndrome has his or her own unique personalities and abilities, and it is

important to recognize them; and

WHEREAS, Delawareans with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, and

contribute to society in many wonderful ways; and

WHEREAS, Delawareans with Down syndrome share the same rights as all Delawareans to live life as they

choose in their homes, and pursue their educational and employment dreams; and

WHEREAS, we hereby celebrate the talents and gifts of people with Down syndrome, and honor the contributions

these individuals make in our community; and

WHEREAS, we hereby recognize the love, support, and commitment of families, friends, and loved ones of

people with Down syndrome; and

WHEREAS, the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware serves more than 400 individuals with Down

syndrome in Delaware providing programs, resources, and support for the individuals and their families; and

WHEREAS, the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware is distributing more than 50,000 pairs of mismatched

socks to schools, local businesses, and individuals to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day in the First State; and

WHEREAS, the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware is a supportive resource, advocating for the acceptance

and understanding of individuals with Down syndrome so they can achieve the same level of access and opportunity of their peers; and

WHEREAS, together we will create a single global voice for advocating for the rights, inclusion, and wellbeing

of people with Down syndrome in our school, community, and around the world. March 21st, World Down Syndrome Day, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which leads to Down Syndrome.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 152nd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the

Senate concurring therein, that March 21, 2023, is designated as “Rock Your Socks for World Down Syndrome Day.”

SYNOPSIS

This House Concurrent Resolution designates the 21st day of the Month of March, 2023 as “Rock Your Socks for World Down Syndrome Day” and celebrates the beauty and contributions that people with Down Syndrome make in Delaware.