The Dragons have teamed up with T21 Dragons, a community support group in Newport to host a coffee morning on Wednesday to celebrate and raise awareness on World Down Syndrome Day (21 March).
Set up by Frances Jenkins, the group started on facebook about 7 years ago, when her daughter was only 3, as a way of reaching out to others for shared experiences and support.
Named T21 Dragons as it's the triplication of the 21st chromosome that causes Down Syndrome, the group has grown in number and is now seeking charity status as Fran explains:
"I started the group when my daughter was 3 as a facebook friendship group and it's grown from there. In 2014 we started having support group meetings at Serennu and now all the paperwork is complete for us to be a charity, so we've submitted it and hope to soon become recognised."
The World Down Syndrome Day campaign to raise awareness has developed a #LotsofSocks initiative to encourage people to show their support and the Dragons like other clubs in the region will be mixing up their footwear for Friday's game against Toyota Cheetahs at Rodney Parade.
Fran continues, "In America one of the most successful initiatives they do is a buddy walk to raise money and awareness. I have this idea to do a Dragons march in September locally and finish at Rodney Parade for a match day next season, so watch this space for more information."
Show your support for World Down Syndrome Day and attend the coffee morning at Rodney Parade.
