March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day.

World Down Syndrome Day was established in 2011 under the auspices of the UN.

This year Georgia joins the world initiative for the twelfth time.

The purpose of this day is to inform the society about people with Down syndrome, to protect their rights, to help break existing stereotypes and to become full-fledged citizens.

"Down syndrome" was first described by the English physician John Down in the late 19th century, hence the name "Down syndrome. Down syndrome is a human genetic disorder in which all cells have 47 chromosomes instead of 46. It is his natural condition, so Down syndrome is not a disease.

One of the symbols for Down Syndrome Day is a multicolored sock that looks like a chromosome. People with Down syndrome have 3 chromosomes instead of a pair on chromosome 21. Therefore, the numbers 21 and 3 (21:03) are chosen symbolically.
The chromosomes are shaped like a sock, so the colored sock is a symbol of Down syndrome.

Colorful socks brought the message of Down syndrome and trisomy 21 to many people around the world.
The message of World Down Syndrome Day 2023: With us, not for us!