MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The 20th annual Cycle 4 Down Syndrome tour stopped in Mossel Bay on Thursday, 27 February.
This tour, undertaken by members of the Mountain View Cycle Club-Goodwood Correctional Services, is in aid of the Down Syndrome Association Western Cape (DSAWC), which provides services and support to people with Down Syndrome and their families.
Cycling the 473km between Bellville and George, the cyclists stop at organisations and schools along the way to create awareness about Down syndrome and to raise funds for DSAWC.
The group is accompanied by two support vehicles, three ambassadors from DSAWC as well as a young man with Down syndrome named Jody Adams, who sings at the schools the cyclists visit.
The DSWC was created in 1976 by a group of parents of children with Down syndrome. It provides support through counselling, education, early intervention and sharing of information regarding medical aspects, employment and civil rights.
Down syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality that occurs in one in 1000 births in South Africa. It is a completely random occurrence in which each of the cells has 47 chromosomes instead of 46 (with 23 pairs). The extra chromosome occurs on the 23rd pair of chromosomes and is therefore also known as trisomy 21.
People who have Down syndrome often have loose ligaments with reduced muscle tone and strength. About one third suffer from congenital heart disease and other problems include hearing deficit and vision and thyroid problems.
The Mossel Bay Advertiser spoke to the cyclists when they stopped for lunch at a restaurant in Mossel Bay. The message the cyclists want to spread is that those with Down syndrome can live a full life just like everyone else. Harold Wentzel, participating in his 20th cycle tour, told the Advertiser: "They are special people one can't help but love. Because people aren't aware of the facts, they shy away from people with Down syndrome, but they are normal people who also want their place in the sun."
You can help the cyclists reach their fundraising goal of R65 000 by visiting the DSAWC website at www.dsawc.co.za, where you will find the necessary banking details. on Friday, 28 February, they travelled to George for the last leg of their journey. They finished at the George Lions Club.
Source: Down Syndrome Association Western Cape
