D S A News. April Upcoming Event: DSA CHARITY MOVIE ED s Message. Dear Valued Members,

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1 D S A News Differently Abled Dear Valued Members, ED s Message Greetings from Down Syndrome Association (Singapore) (DSA). Upcoming Event: DSA CHARITY MOVIE 2015 April 2015 I am pleased to share that more than 800 participants took part in our buddy walk at the recent World Down Syndrome Day event on 21 st March 2015 at Ngee Ann City. Together, we have once again brought the voices of persons with Down syndrome to the heart of Orchard Road in having greater awareness and advocating for a more inclusive society. The Charity Bowl event on the 28 th March 2015 at SAFRA Mount Faber SuperBowl also saw a huge participation of more than 90 DSA members and corporate bowlers. I would like to take this opportunity to appeal for your support at our upcoming event, namely our Charity Movie event on Sunday - 28 th June 2015 where we will be screening a sci-fi blockbuster, Terminator Genysis. This event will be held for the first time at Golden Village Suntec City. More details of this event can be found in this newsletter. I look forward to your continuous support and active participation in our various programmes, activities, services and events. Moses Lee, Executive Director Start by doing what is necessary, Then what is possible, And suddenly you are doing the impossible St Francis of Assisi Italian Catholic Friar (1181/ ) DSA Centre 9, Bishan Place, #09-01 Junction 8 Office Tower Singapore Tel: Fax: Opening Hours: Mon to Sat 8.30 am pm DSA Thrift TBC Blk 17A, Telok Blangah Crescent # Singapore Opening Hours : Friday am pm The June school holidays are fast approaching once again and it s time to unwind from our busy schedule. It s an opportunity to get together with family and friends to support a good cause through the DSA Charity Movie 2015 which will be held on 28 June 2015, 1.30pm at Golden Village Cinema, Suntec City Mall. When John Connor (Jason Clarke), leader of the human resistance against Skynet, sends Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney) back to 1984 to protect his mother, Sarah (Emilia Clarke), from a Terminator assassin, an unexpected turn of events creates an altered timeline. Instead of a scared waitress, Sarah is a skilled fighter and has a Terminator guardian (Arnold Schwarzenegger) by her side. Faced with unlikely allies and dangerous new enemies, Reese sets out on an unexpected new mission: reset the future. Get ready to be thrilled and take in the excitement from this popular sci-fi blockbuster movie series starring one of Hollywood s legendary hero, Arnold Schwarzenegger as the valiant, destructive cyborg. Yes! He is back as promised for more action in this sequel of the Terminator movie franchise Terminator: Genysis*. This movie is a reset of the original Terminator timeline and it hopes to launch a trilogy of films and it will definitely leave you impressed once again. Limited tickets are available on a first come first serve basis. For more information, please contact Radzi via office number: or radzi@downsyndromesingapore.org

2 World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) Buddy Walk & Carnival 2015 P a ge 2 We were honoured to have Mr Lawrence Wong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Second Minister for Ministry of Communications and Information as our Guest of Honour as he joined and walked alongside our members and participants for the Buddy Walk, which was one of the highlights of the event. Apart from the Buddy Walk, there were various activities such as games and F & B booths & Segway rides., The different booths were set up by different schools as well as corporate sponsors. There were even Superhero Cosplayers who mingled and posed for photographs with the crowd. This year s event included activity areas featuring flower arrangement, art and crafts and KidsRead; providing the platform for DSA to showcase the different programmes available to our members. GOH, Minister Wong participated in the warm-up before the buddy walk. Minister Wong leading the walk with DSA Members. Walk participants returning to Ngee Ann City for the carnival. Minister Wong was delighted to receive the token of appreciation from DSA Member Judith Teo who took the photograph that was presented to our GOH.

3 World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) Buddy Walk & Carnival 2015 P a ge 3 It was an event with fun-filled activities for everyone, especially for our members and persons with Down syndrome as we celebrated the day to raise public awareness by creating a single global voice for the advocating of rights, inclusion and well being of persons with Down syndrome. DSA Dancers entertaining the audience at the carnival. Minister Wong gamely joining in the arts & crafts activity area with DSA Members. Minister Wong taking a Wefie with DSA Members at the carnival. Superhero Cosplayers posing for photographs at the carnival. Now in its 10 th year since inception, World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is observed worldwide on the 21 st of March each year. The theme for this year s WDSD was My Opportunities, My Choices Enjoying Full and Equal Rights and the Role of Families. Down Syndrome Association (Singapore), celebrated this remarkable day by organising the Buddy Walk and Carnival at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza on Saturday, 21st of March The celebration would not have been complete without the performances by our very own DSA Drummers and Dancers. There were also performances from ISS International School and fellow VWO, RSVP s Ukulele and Line Dancers groups as they entertained the crowd at the carnival.

4 P a ge 4 DSA s 9th Charity Bowl 2015 Ready, steady, roll! Over 90 bowlers, including 27 DSA members, were in action at the 9 th DSA Charity Bowl on 28th March 2015 at SuperBowl, Mount Faber SAFRA. Every year, DSA organises the Charity Bowl a week after World Down Syndrome Day as another platform for the community to integrate with persons with Down syndrome within a sporting environment. Each participating team consists of four bowlers, with one bowler being a DSA member. Before the event commenced officially, a minute of silence was observed as a mark of respect to Singapore s founding father and first Prime Minister, late Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Mr R. Siva, Chairperson of Charity Bowl 2015, kicked off the event with a welcome note. This year, DSA was honoured to have Ms Chia Yong Yong, Nominated Member of Parliament and President of SPD, as our event s Guest-of-Honour. Ms Chia gave a very inspiring speech to urge the community to celebrate inclusiveness, regardless of the different abilities. Besides having Ms Chia, we also had a group of national bowlers namely Ms Jazreel Tan, Ms New Hui Fen, Ms Cherie Tan and Ms Shayna Ng, who joined us in the event and bowled alongside our members. One of the highlights of the event was Ms Jazreel Tan autographing a bowling ball as the event s top lucky draw prize! GOH, Ms Chia Yong Yong welcomed by DSA Board & Management Team upon arrival on 28th March National Bowler, Ms Jazreel Tan autographing the top lucky draw prize; a bowling ball. All DSA bowlers were presented with a participation medal. Participating corporate and individual sponsors were also presented with a token of appreciation featuring a painting done by DSA member, Lau Su An. Above: GOH, Ms Chia Yong Yong posing for a group photograph with DSA Bowlers. Right: National Bowler, Ms Jazreel Tan, presenting the first prize for the lucky draw to the lucky winner.

5 P a ge 5 DSA s 9th Charity Bowl 2015 Results of the tournament: Position Team Name Company Champion Qool 1 Qool Enviro Pte Ltd 1 st Runner Up All The Way Trailblazer Foundation 2 nd Runner Up Pacific Arena Pacific Arena Pte Ltd DSA would like to thank all sponsors, supporters, volunteers and all participants and attendees of the event! Champion team from Qool Enviro Pte Ltd Team 1 st Runner Up from Trailblazer Foundation Team 2 nd Runner Up team from Pacific Arena Pte Ltd NUS Kent Ridge Hall Cheque Presentation It was a beautiful evening and setting for the NUS Kent Ridge Hall Formal Dinner held on the 7 th Apr 15. Although it was held at the dining hall, the glamour and excitement were certainly in the air. It was a great honour to not only be invited to this formal dinner but also for DSA to be the adopted charity for Kent Ridge Hall. Representing DSA to receive the cheque donation at the presentation were DSA Executive Director, Mr Moses Lee and Manager for Donor Management and Corporate Communications, Mr Andrew Soh. Seated at the VIP table, both got to witness the award presentation to the various hall residents and students groups that have contributed and supported DSA through the various activities since 2014, including the NUS Kent Ridge Hall 35 th Anniversary Run held in Jan this year. It is through support from generous student bodies like NUS Kent Ridge Hall that our persons with Down syndrome can continue to receive educational and life skills training at DSA. Thank you to all staff, students and hall residents of NUS Kent Ridge Hall. DSA Management Team receiving the cheque from NUS Kent Ridge Hall Management Team on 7th April 2015.

6 April 2015 Down Syndrome Association (Singapore) Page 6 Visit Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall Sixteen members, along with their caregivers, went for a visit to Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall on 28th February as part of the Chinese New Year celebration. Members got to tour around the museum and view the exhibits regarding Chinese history. There were also performances and other demonstrations as part of the programme. Members queuing up to receive goodies from the God of Fortune on 28th February Members waiting for the performances to start at the visit. SWTS CNY Function DSA Drummers wowed the crowd at SAFRA Jurong with their performance at the SWTS Chinese New Year Function on 3rd March Other than DSA, the senior volunteers from RSVP also put up a Ukulele performance. DSA drummers urging the audience to wave along with their performance on 3rd March 2015 Waves of applause from the audience after the drum performance.

7 P a ge 7 Partnership with Boon Lay Secondary School On 13 th April 2015, 10 students from the school s National Civil Defence Cadet Corps (NCDCC) conducted a crash course on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) for DSA staff. This served as a useful session as staff will be equipped with the basic knowledge in case of emergency. DSA was adopted as beneficiary for Boon Lay Secondary School s charity bazaar last year. In order to allow the students to have a better understanding on who they were raising funds for, DSA was invited to give an awareness talk at the school on 17 th April Representatives from the Secondary 3 cohort, who were involved in the charity bazaar in 2014, also gave a presentation on their thoughts about their journey from preparation and their visit to DSA Centre in November DSA looks forward to the continuing partnership with the school! Students demonstrating to DSA Staff on 13th April DSA members posing with the team from Boon Lay Secondary School on 13th April Mr Andrew Soh, Manager (Donor Management & Corporate Communications), giving the awareness talk to the students 17th April Canadian Association of Singapore - Red Hot Maple Leaf Ball Down Syndrome Association (Singapore) were honoured to be invited to attend the Canadian Association of Singapore s Red Hot Maple Leaf Ball on Saturday, 18th April 2015 held at the Four Seasons Hotel. It was a night to celebrate the 50 years of diplomatic ties between Canada and Singapore. The ball was graced by the High Commissioner of Canada to Singapore and staff from the Canadian International School and Canadians who are currently residing in Singapore. As the adopted charity for the Canadian Ball, members of the Board and staff from DSA were present to join in the celebration. DSA Board Members & Management Team with DSA Drummers in attendance at the Canadian Ball on 18 April DSA s Honorary Treasurer, Mr Gerard Lim, gave an inspiring speech to address the guests present which resonated positively to all with much appreciation too. DSA Drummers were also present to perform during the reception. The proceeds from the sales of dinner tickets and auction pieces will be donated to DSA. On behalf of Down Syndrome Association (Singapore) and all its members, we would like to thank The Canadian Association of Singapore for their generous contribution and invitation to this wonderful evening as we celebrate the bilateral ties of the two nations together.

8 P a ge 8 New Swimming Enrichment Programme is a Big Splash DSA started a new Swimming Programme on Saturday, 28th February After a registration of interest was conducted, we soon recieved 18 participants, eager to get into the water and start swimming! The classes are held at the SpeediSwim Aquatic Centre in the Singapore Sports School complex at 1 Champions Way, Woodlands and are conducted by the swim coaches from SpeediSwim. The coaches have experience in teaching children with special needs, particularly those with Intellectual Disability. In fact, even before DSA started these classes, SpeediSwim has already been running classes for children with Intellectual Disability. Initial feedback from parents has been very positive. Most parents in the programme have told us how their children are always excitedly looking forward to Saturdays because of the new Swimming classes, and kept bugging them about when the classes would start after their initial registration of interest. Just look at some of the happy faces of our Members in the classes! DSA Member Shawn Tan posing for the camera as he practices his kicking. DSA Member Josh Low too focused on his kicking exercises to care about the camera man on. DSA Member Celest Teo having a blast, being guided by her instructor and a floatation device for her first lap across the pool. June Lin represents Singapore at the Special Olympics World Summer Games (2015) DSA Member June Lin will represent Singapore in Bowling at the Special Olympics World Summer Games (2015) DSA member, June Lin Yizhen (30) has been nominated to represent Singapore in Bowling at the Special Olympics World Summer Games (2015). The Games will be held in Los Angeles, California, USA from the 21 st of July to the 2 nd of August June attends Bowling classes with DSA every Saturday at the Singapore Recreational Club under the guidance of instructors Tan Kim Joo, Ong Chin Wah, and Daniel Chang. She is also a client at our Adult Enhancement Programme (AEP) and a member of our Fusion Dance group. Congratulations on your nomination, June, from all of us at DSA. We wish you all the best at the Games and we re sure you ll do Singapore proud!

9 P a ge 9 Children s Education Services (CES) Sand play stimulates and develops children's fine motor and creative playing skills. Kinetic Sand is the perfect material for openended, non-directed play. It leaves no sand or residue on their hands and is great for sensory awareness. Playing with kinetic sand is a magical and mesmerizing experience, giving a moment of relaxation for both children and adult. Benefits of working together with kinetic sand (or home-made dough) 1. Fine motor development 2. Sensory processing 3. Drawing and pre-writing skills 4. Creative thinking 5. Pretend play 6. Speech and language development 7. Increased attention 8. A sense of calm For more ideas on play with Kinetic Sand, please visit DSA does not endorse commercial products in any way. The CES team does believe in using safe and useful material to engage our learners in fun and meaningful learning that leads to their overall development.

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11 Family Support Services Events Calendar (May-June 2015) P a ge 11 Month : May-15 Day Date Time Event Venue For Parents of Children Aged... Saturday 2nd May Labour Day Weekend - No talks being held Saturday 9th May 9.30am-11.30am Talk by Jason Wong (who is developing a tracking app) + Parent Search Support Group Meeting (III): To discuss tracking app J8 All ages Saturday 16th May 9.30am am Kindergarten & Primary School: Are they for my child? - by David Yong J8 0-6 yrs Saturday 30th May 9.30am am Talk on Vaccination for Cervical Cancer - by Dr Choolani J8 Teenagers and adults with Down syndrome (female) Month : Jun-15 Day Date Time Event Venue Status Saturday 6th June 10.00am am Baby massage workshop - by Linda Tan J mths Saturday 13th June 9.30am am Deputyship - by Prof Ruby Lee from NUS J8 All ages (but especially 18 yrs & above) Saturday 27th June 6.30pm-8.00pm Stargazing Family Outing Botanical Gardens Entire family *All above details are tentative and may be subject to change closer to the actual event. For registration and more info, please look out for our e-flyers for each event. **Do look out for details on the free Full Health Screening conducted at DSA Centre by Dr Chen Shiling and her team on Saturday, 22nd August 2015! Schedules are subject to change. Kindly contact Satya or Nalla for confirmation of classes. If you have any queries about these programmes or wish to sign up, do Satya at: satya@downsyndrome-singapore.org or Nalla at: nalla@downsyndrome-singapore.org

12 P a ge 12 DSA Holiday Programme No. Holiday Programme Age Group No. of Participants Min. Max. Instructor(s) Duration (Hrs) No. of Sessions Dates Time Programme Fee 1 Fun with Food (Senior) 10 yrs & up 6 10 RSVP volunteers: Rowena & Elaine Jun, 20 Jun, 27 Jun 9:30-11:00 am $ Fun with Food (Junior) 5-9 yrs 6 10 RSVP volunteers: Rowena & Elaine Jun, 20 Jun, 27 Jun 1:00-2:30 pm $ FunFit 5 yrs & up 8 15 Thomas Poon 1 4 $ NJC Basketball Camp 10 yrs & up 8 15 NJC Basketball Club student volunteers led by Anmol Singh 2 4 $ Joy of Music (Senior) 10 yrs & up 6 10 Ian Low $ Joy of Music (Junior) 5-9 yrs 6 10 Ian Low $ Holiday with Horses 12 yrs & up Gallop Stables instructors/ volunteers led by Maneesha 2 8 $40.00 Editorial Team Mr Andrew Soh Editor Mr R. Sivanandam Editorial Advisor Ms Himal Ruperal Contributor Mr Moses Lee Editorial Advisor DSA News is only available on the DSA website and via to members and supporters. Kindly update your details and addresses to: nalla@downsyndrome-singapore.org For non-members, you may view our newsletter online at our website: or to: andrew@downsyndrome-singapore.org for a copy. Down Syndrome Association (Singapore) - DSA welcomes your feedback and suggestions, do contact us at Tel: For more information on some of DSA s events, programmes, services or event photos do visit our website: Copyrights Reserved No part(s) of this newsletter should be used, reprinted or copied be it in full or partial without prior written permission by DSA.