A World Down Syndrome Day fundraiser held at Rarotonga’s Punanga Nui Market raised over $1000 for the Cook Islands Down Syndrome Association.

Cook Islander Reon Enoka, a 40-year-old with Down syndrome, moved to Rarotonga with his family in 2020.

Enoka shares his interest through art and sells portraits at the market to earn income for his Star Wars merchandise.

He was among the people who attended a fundraiser event to mark the World Down Syndrome Day at Punanga Nui Market yesterday.

The fundraiser collected over $1000 in proceeds, which was later presented to the Cook Islands Down Syndrome Association.

Reon Enoka, a 40-year-old with Down syndrome, with his parents. 25032105

Enoka said he found the fundraising event exciting and exhausting.

He wants to advise the people of the Cook Islands to be kind and to share “SKIN”, as his father interprets the word: “Sense of humour, the K’s for kindness, the I’s for integrity, and the N’s for nurture, the things you love.”

Poko Rongo, the human resources manager for Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC), shared her thoughts and contributions towards the Down syndrome community.

Rongo stated that this was the first time they have put together a programme to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day.

CIIC chose to share this programme with the people of Rarotonga, supporting individuals with Down syndrome as it aligns with their company’s values.

The purpose of this event was to raise awareness and support through the sale of sausage sizzles, donations, and an hour of fitness to promote health and well-being.

CIIC also contacted other groups to support this initiative, including Prime Foods for sausage sponsorship, Bread and Butter for bread and the CC Tamure group for fitness teaching.

Rongo said another reason for the event was to support an individual with Down syndrome within the CIIC community.

Cook Islands Investment Corporation put together a programme to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day yesterday. 25032106

Prime Minister Mark Brown showed his support by attending the event, which brought excitement to the organisers and participants.

According to the United Nations, Down syndrome occurs when an individual has an extra partial (or whole) copy of chromosome 21. It is not yet known why this syndrome occurs, but Down syndrome has always been a part of the human condition. It exists in all regions across the globe and commonly results in variable effects on learning styles, physical characteristics and health.

“The estimated incidence of Down syndrome is between 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 1,100 live births worldwide. Each year, approximately 3,000 to 5,000 children are born with this chromosome disorder,” UN stated.

In December 2011, the UN General Assembly declared 21 March as World Down Syndrome Day. A common activity is wearing colourful or mismatched socks, to show support for people with Down syndrome.