The twelve organisations that make up the Down Catalunya coordinator and work for people with intellectual disabilities, especially those with Down’s syndrome, are organising together with the PortAventura Foundation the 16th edition of the solidarity event “Making Friends” on 4 October at the park in Vila-Seca/Salou.
It is a unique opportunity to enjoy all the attractions of the theme park at the special price of just €26.
A campaign that combines fun and solidarity under the motto: “Every ticket you buy is a superpower that changes lives.”
Tickets can be purchased at this link: www.sindromedown.cat/portaventura
Show at the Grand Imperial Theatre
The solidarity day will feature a performance at the Grand Imperial Theatre of China, which this year will include appearances by the ‘Urban Dance’ group from Down Lleida with their show AI: Next Generation, the urban dance group ‘Down Revolution’ from Down Tarragona, and Sara Izquierdo, a contemporary dancer from Anoia Down. There will also be a raffle of various experiences and gifts among the participants.
The presenters
Renowned for his career in literature, radio and television, Màrius Serra i Roig is a writer, journalist, translator and populariser. He holds a degree in English Philology from the University of Barcelona. He has published novels, short stories and several books of riddles and word games. Among his most acclaimed works are Mon oncle and Farsa, the latter winning him the Ramon Llull Prize.
Laia Martí Santiago is a woman with Down’s syndrome who takes part in independent living programmes run by the Aura Foundation. She took the first step by leaving her family home to live in a shared learning flat, and she has worked as an administrative assistant in professional settings. She has also appeared in the TV3 series Com si fos ahir.
Laia is actively involved in defending the rights of people with intellectual disabilities, also advocating for the role of women in this field, and demonstrating that it is possible to live with autonomy and in community.
Quim Vilamajó is a young man with Down’s syndrome, activist and content creator whose aim is to break stereotypes about intellectual disability. He has his own blog, El món del Quim (“Quim’s World”), and the audiovisual project Canal Empàtic, where he talks about his daily life, emotions and experiences, as well as issues that affect people with Down’s syndrome.
Quim works at the Lleida Chamber of Commerce, enjoys making videos and is a voice that calls for respect, dignity and visibility for people with intellectual disabilities.
4 October, a day full of activities and surprises at a special price: €26
The aim is to promote social inclusion and strengthen the autonomy of people with Down’s syndrome, recognising that leisure is not a privilege but a fundamental right for everyone.
The proceeds from this solidarity day will be fully allocated to inclusive leisure programmes run by the Down Catalunya organisations throughout Catalonia. These funds make it possible to finance:
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Sporting activities such as padel, basketball and tennis
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Artistic workshops in painting, dance and body expression
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Social and leisure initiatives such as excursions and holiday camps
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Professional support for leisure activities
One of the key factors that improves the quality of life and personal development of people with Down’s syndrome is access to leisure activities in community settings.
For ticket distribution and purchase, Down Catalunya has once again this year had the support of many organisations and companies that, year after year, have wanted to help promote the event.
At Down Catalunya we believe it is essential to commit to a model of inclusive leisure that effectively integrates people with intellectual disabilities into community activities, ensuring they have the opportunities and support they need for their full development. It is vital that both public administrations and private companies take an active role in creating accessible spaces and experiences for everyone, recognising leisure not as a privilege but as a fundamental right that contributes decisively to a fairer and more cohesive society.
How to take part
Solidarity tickets can be purchased exclusively via the website www.sindromedown.cat/portaventura/ and are valid for 4 October 2024.
In addition, anyone who completes the form on the website will automatically be entered into a raffle for a number of experiences and gifts donated by the Moco Museum, El Palace Hotel Barcelona, Chocolates Torres, Poble Espanyol and the Mayan Spa – Hotel Claris in Barcelona. The draw will take place during the institutional event.
The Down Syndrome Coordinator of Catalonia is the representative body for people with Down’s syndrome in Catalonia and their families. It brings together the organisations that support people with Down’s syndrome from birth through to adulthood, with projects focused on their full social, educational, sporting and employment inclusion with support, within their local community, and for their independent living, as laid out in the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The ultimate goal is that every person with Down’s syndrome is autonomous and, most importantly, able to decide how and with whom they want to live.
The Down Catalunya organisations were pioneers in the implementation of independent living models and in promoting personal autonomy, including supported employment in mainstream companies and supported housing, among other initiatives.
