By Staff Reporter

Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) is calling on all its supporters to lace up their running shoes for this year’s World Down Syndrome Day with the first ever ‘Purple Run’. 

With the help of Matt Cooper, host of Today FM’s The Last Word, the charity is encouraging people to get active by taking part in the run in Dublin’s Phoenix Part at noon on Sunday 20 March.

The event is open to all age groups and abilities with the option of running either 1km or 5km, allowing all the family to take part.

Registration for the run takes place online with an entry fee of just €10, while people with Down syndrome and under-16s can enter free.

DSI will also host a free family carnival for World Down Syndrome Day on Monday 21 March adjacent to the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.

“World Down Syndrome Day is about more than creating awareness, it is a celebration of every person with Down Syndrome, their families and those who support them, says Pat Clarke, chief executive of DSI. 

“Our charity is a family-led organisation that places the person with Down Syndrome at the centre of everything we do. We are urging everyone to get involved in the Purple Run on 20 March and to come along to the carnival the following day.”

To register for the Purple Run and find out more information on Down Syndrome Ireland, visit www.downsyndromeireland.ie or find them on Facebook and Twitter.