Schools and businesses across central Mississippi will participate in World Down Syndrome Day on Thursday, March 21, 2024 by wearing crazy socks in celebration of people with Down syndrome and the many ways that they make our world brighter.

Download a WDSD image for Social Media

Download the Rock Your Socks Flyer to share with your school or business

In addition the Governor’s mansion will be lighted yellow and blue from March 17 – March 23 in support and awareness of people with Down syndrome.  

Why rock your socks on 3.21? Down syndrome (or Trisomy 21) means that there are 3 copies (instead of 2) of the 21st chromosome which is why we celebrate on 3.21. Usually people have 46, but people with Down syndrome have one extra, they have 47. Down syndrome can affect how a person looks, speaks and how he or she learns in school. Students with Down syndrome may need extra time to do their work or have helpers, but they can learn the same skills as their classmates. 

“We have over 50 schools and businesses participating in this year’s Rock Your Socks campaign! It is an important awareness effort, that children understand that people with Down syndrome, at their schools and in their communities, are more alike than different.” Jennifer Babl, executive director, Central Mississippi Down Syndrome Society. 

World Down Syndrome Day is a global awareness day which has been officially observed since 2012. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in every 700 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome, making Down syndrome the most common chromosomal condition. About 6,000 babies with Down syndrome are born in the United States each year.