ON MONDAY the March 21 members of the Carlton community helped celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. 

Together with the Inclusion Foundation, a charity which champions the inclusion of people with Down syndrome, the Club presented guest speakers to the event including Carlton president Luke Sayers, CEO Brian Cook and Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott OAM. 

The Carlton Football Club has a long history of partnering with charitable organisations and began working with the Inclusion Foundation in 2013.

A dancer from e.motion21 performs during the World Down Syndrome Day function (Photo Jonathan DiMaggio)

The foundation comprises of programs which aim to assist those with Down Syndrome with dance, fitness, wellbeing as well as helping build confidence, self-esteem, and important social skills. 

Speaking on the importance of inclusion and experiences in leadership, Carlton President and Chairperson of the Inclusion Foundation Luke Sayers expressed his gratitude towards the enormous efforts in raising awareness and much needed funds for those with Down Syndrome. 

Carlton Football Club President and Inclusion Foundation Chairperson Luke Sayers speaks at the event (Photo Jonathan DiMaggio)

“Today’s occasion highlights the wonderful partnership the Carlton Football Club has with the inclusion foundation along with the terrific work their team does in ensuring people with Down Syndrome have numerous safe and inclusive spaces to utilise,” Sayers said.

Thanks to the generosity of all those in attendance the World Down Syndrome Day lunch was a huge success and a great show of support for the Inclusion Foundation.