Former BSSC student Ned Middleton is still celebrating after the joy and excitement of a trip to India where he participated in the 12th World Down Syndrome Congress in Chennai India.
Ned attended the Congress as a member of the not for profit organisation e.motion 21.
The organisation is the only one of its type in Australia and provides innovative dance and fitness programs for children and young adults with Down syndrome.
The World Down Syndrome Congress is held every three years and this year 48 countries were represented.
Through the support of carers, supporters and much fund-raising, Ned, along with fellow participants Frances Bush and Kate Prendergast, experienced international travel for the first time.
Ned took part in a flag ceremony and awards nights, and ran workshops for other people with Down syndrome.
“We flew to New Delhi where we did three performances,” Ned says. “The last place we went was Agra where we visited the Taj Mahal.”
Regional manager, Rebekah Fraser, said there were 24 members of e.motion in Bendigo.
“We aim to build the confidence and wellbeing of people with Down syndrome and e.motion has proved very successful in doing this.”
Rebekah said the participants and their carers all gained enormously from sharing information and making friendships at the Congress.
Picture: Glenn Daniels, Bendigo Advertiser
L to R: Kate, Frances & Ned.