Kootenai County Marks World Down Syndrome Day With Socks, Local Events

Bright, mismatched socks turned up across Kootenai County on Saturday as DS Connections NW marked World Down Syndrome Day, the annual observance held each March 21 to recognize the three copies of the 21st chromosome that characterize Down syndrome.

The local nonprofit, founded in 2009 under the full name Down Syndrome Connections Northwest, organized a slate of community activities around the "Rock Your Socks" campaign, which encourages people to wear colorful or mismatched socks to spark conversations about Down syndrome awareness and inclusion.

Families in the Down syndrome community gathered at The Little Gym in Post Falls for an afternoon of open gym time, hot cocoa, dancing, and treats. The date itself carries symbolic weight: 3/21 mirrors the chromosomal signature of Down syndrome, three copies of chromosome 21.

Sock baskets from DS Connections NW appeared at four participating Kootenai County businesses: Club Pilates Hayden, Hands to Art, Marketplace at Miles, and Genesee School. Colorful socks sold for $6 per pair, with proceeds going directly to DS Connections NW programs.

Three local coffee stands also joined as partners for the occasion. Jitterz, Gourmet Bean on Government Way, and Outlaw Coffee in Hayden all participated in the day's community push.

DS Connections NW, which has worked since 2009 to build a supportive and inclusive community for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, also has a Teen and Young Adult Night planned for the Hayden area at 3839 W. Prairie Ave., targeting participants ages 15 to 25.