Through a series of initiatives during 2016-17 season, PAOK will try to assist the Down Syndrome Association of Greece. The priority for the “Double-Headed Eagle” is to help improve the infrastructure, so that the children may enjoy the best possible facilities and live in impeccable installations. PAOK FC will also launch a special line of products in PAOK FC Official Stores and part of the gains will be give to the Down Syndrome Association of Greece.

What is Down Syndrome?

Down Syndrome is one of the most common chromosome disorder in humans. It is named after English physician John Langdon Down, who first characterized it in 1866. It is caused by the presence of a third copy of chromosome 21. People with Down Syndrome have 47 instead of the usual 46 chromosomes. This genetic abnormality occurs from the beginning of the fetus growth. The extra chromosome occurs by random chance.

The extra chromosome content can arise through several different ways:

• Trisomy 21
• Translocation
• Mosaicism

More than 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women 35 years of age and younger (average age: 28).

Children born with Down Syndrome get to face physical growth delays and mild to moderate intellectual disability. Some of them might also face medical issues. There is a wide range of challenges and capabilities for these children. Each individual born with Down Syndrome is unique.

Down Syndrome Association of Greece

The Down Syndrome Association of Greece was established by 22 families in 1990 through an initiative of Ms Charikleia Chatzisevastou-Loukidou, Professor of Pediatrics, Genetics Clinic, A.U.T.H. It is the first organized group of parents of children with Down Syndrome in Greece. The Assocation is a Non-Profit Organisation for the Provision of Social Welfare Services that is registered with and supervised by the Ministry of Health and Social Solidarity

The vision of the Association is for all citizens to live and participate in a society which provides equal opportunities to all. For this purpose, the principles of equal opportunities and equality for all people are the driving force behind the organization.

Their mission is to develop actions related to specialized training and organized activities for persons with Down Syndrome, in order to create a supportive learning environment and provide a recreation program for our beneficiaries. The educational programs and activities run by the Association are addressed to the children with Down Syndrome and their parents.

The educational programs are organized in cooperation with Special Education experts, the School of Early Childhood Education, the School of Psychology (AUTH), the Department of Special Education (UOM) and Vocational Training Institutes-IEK (both public and private). http://www.down.gr/root.el.aspx