Women's Ice Hockey Skates in Honor of World Down Syndrome Day
March 22, 2023 | Women's Ice Hockey, Community Service
BOSTON - The Boston University women's ice hockey team participated in the National Down Syndrome Society's annual virtual Racing For 3.21 Event in honor of World Down Syndrome Day on Tuesday, March 21.
Participants from around the world ran, walked, biked, hiked, swam and more for 3.21, 32.1, or 321 miles. The numbers 3 and 21, which inspired the mileage in Racing for 3.21, as well as the date chosen for World Down Syndrome Day, have significant meaning in the Down syndrome community as individuals with Down syndrome have three copies of the 21st chromosome.
Assistant coach Abby Ostrom has a personal connection to the Down syndrome community herself. Ostrom skated in honor of her childhood friend, Charlie French, who is an accomplished painter and entrepreneur with Down syndrome. More than 20 individuals from the team gathered at Walter Brown Arena to celebrate and raise awareness.
"Our team was excited to take part in World Down Syndrome Day in a fun and unique way. In one way or another, all of us have some connection to Down syndrome, and we were proud to take part in an event that brings visibility and awareness to such an amazing community," Ostrom said.
"To have a collegiate team participate in our annual event is an honor; to have them complete their miles on ice makes it even more exciting," said NDSS President & CEO, Kandi Pickard. "Community involvement and awareness are the goal of World Down Syndrome Day, and we are appreciative to the BU team for their support."
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ABOUT NDSS
The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome. NDSS envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming communities. Founded in 1979, NDSS supports and advocates for the Down syndrome community by focusing on three key areas of programming: Resources & Support, Policy & Advocacy, and Community Engagement. Within these focus areas NDSS engages in various activities, events, and programs on topics that are critical to our community such as federal and state advocacy and public policy, health and wellness, education, and employment. NDSS creates resources to support individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and caregivers across the lifespan and hosts awareness and engagement events throughout the country including the National Buddy Walk® Program, the Times Square Video presentation and New York City Buddy Walk®, Racing for 3.21 on World Down Syndrome Day, Run for 3.21, DC Golf Outing, the annual NDSS Gala & Auction, and various other events. Visit www.ndss.org for more information about NDSS.
