October was first designated as Down Syndrome awareness month in the 1980’s and has been recognized every October since. It is a time to celebrate people with Down Syndrome and make others aware of their abilities and accomplishments.
Down Syndrome is a genetic condition where a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. This means they have a total of 47 chromosomes instead of 46.
Signifying the 3 copies of the 21st chromosome we also celebrate World Down Syndrome Day on 3-21. Not only do we celebrate awareness the whole month of October, we also celebrate on March 21.
The Special Olympics is a movement happening 365 days a year. They host nearly 100 events every year that range from sports competitions to inclusive health fairs to the Polar Plunge and more!
The organization provides opportunities for people of all ages and all abilities. This inclusive movement is made up of many roles: volunteers, coaches, team assistants, athletes, Unified partners and more!
Special Olympics Minnesota has a Student Board of Directors. The board is made up of 40 students with and without intellectual disabilities from across the state. SOMN student board members work together throughout the year to educate, motivate and activate students to become agents of change in their schools and communities. The board supports the work of centering student voices in our unified programs across the state, advocating for the respect, inclusion, and acceptance of all people.
“I started as a little kid in the Special Olympics playing football and swimming,” junior Liam Chau said.
Chau participates in two adapted sports, soccer and softball. In the winter he is part of the HS boys swim and dive program. He is a member of the TRUST club. He is on the Student Board of Directors for SOMN, He is an advocate against bullying on Instagram and TikTok. He has 3 older sisters. He notices when people need help, even when it is not obvious to others and he has an extra 21st Chromosome.
“Mrs. Harrison helped me get into the leadership role with the Special Olympics, I am excited to be able to help people,” Chau said.
“Working with Liam for the last couple of years I felt he would be a wonderful addition to the Student Board of Directors. He and Junior, Jillian Maddux are the newest representatives from the high school to join the elite team. We have had representatives from SAHS for the last six years. Seniors Matthew Eviston and Mason Mora-Clark also represent Stillwater High School on the Student Board of Directors,” retired PE and DAPE teacher Paula Harrison said.
“I would love to take credit for influencing Liam to get involved in the leadership role. However, like most of his accomplishments, that was all Liam and the incredible staff and peers he has at SAHS,” Liam’s mom Jill Chau said.
“As a family, I cannot tell you what it means to watch Liam have access to so many opportunities,” Jill Chau said.
October may be Down Syndrome awareness month, but for Liam and many others the inclusion revolution continues to grow and provide opportunities for all.
