Take the Pathfinder "3-21 Challenge!"

Twenty-one days of engagement activities to lead into World Down Syndrome Day 2021

Edmeston, New York, February 23, 2021 … As part of its “Staying Connected” initiative during the pandemic recovery, Pathfinder Village invites families, friends, and fans to take part in its new 3-21 Challenge leading up to World Down Syndrome Day on Sunday, March 21. WDSD is a global celebration that highlights the gifts and contributions of people with Down syndrome.

This year’s observance by advocates and organizations will be impacted by social distancing and other safety protocols, but these precautions will lead to innovative ways to celebrate.  March 21 – “3-21” -- is observed as World Down Syndrome Day as the numerical date represents the triplication of the 21st chromosome in the human genotype, the genetic cause of 95% of occurrences of Down syndrome or Trisomy 21. WDSD has been observed since 2006; it first received recognition by the United Nations in 2012.

Staring on March 1, Pathfinder will invite Village residents, Pathfinder School students, community members, friends, and families everywhere to follow along with a calendar of tasks that tie into WDSD traditions or are activities that may provide a mid-winter boost for everyone’s spirits. The guidance calendar and daily invites will be featured on the Village’s Facebook and Instagram accounts; shared short videos and photos of Village residents and members of the public completing tasks will encourage participation and social exchanges.

“The 21 WDSD challenge tasks aren’t difficult, and they don’t require special skills, equipment, or uncommon supplies to complete,” said Monica Clark, a member of Pathfinder’s WDSD planning committee. “The activities can be completed by families, school students, and co-workers, and we invite our friends to share their progress with us through social media.”

A copy of the WDSD 3-21 Challenge Calendar may be downloaded from the Pathfinder Village Facebook event at this link:  https://fb.me/e/NR6tgAIu.  . Those community members who submit photos and participate through social media during the 21 days will be entered into a special drawing to win Pathfinder Village-themed gear.

“Several activities have gained traction as annual WDSD events, such as wearing crazy socks and decorating in blue-and-yellow, the colors associated with Down syndrome,” add Mrs. Clark. “Other challenge tasks will involve cooking fun, fitness and health awareness, making art and music, and other ways to stay connected and celebrate community in twenty twenty-one.”

Pathfinder Village is an internationally respected open-access community and services provider in upstate New York and was founded in 1980 to provide people living with Down syndrome and other disabilities an independent and fulfilling lifestyle. As it works to provide quality supports for individuals with intellectual disabilities, the Village also offers highly successful educational, day services, pre-vocational, and outreach programs. To learn more, visit, or visit our fan page on the popular social networking site, Facebook.