The town of Kristinehamn in Sweden marked World Down Syndrome Day on March 21 with community-wide celebrations, according to reports from SVT Värmland. The event, known as 'Rocka sockorna-dagen' (Rock Your Socks Day), saw participation across the town including in churches, restaurants, and public spaces.
World Down Syndrome Day was established by the United Nations to celebrate people with Down syndrome and ensure they have the same freedoms and opportunities as everyone else. The 'Rock Your Socks' tradition, which involves wearing mismatched socks, originated in the United States in 2013.
I recognize myself in people who are a little different because I'm also a bit odd. I feel at home here,
Artist Lars Lerin, who serves as patron of the Rocka sockorna-dagen, created the watercolor artwork featured on promotional materials. 'I recognize myself in people who are a little different because I'm also a bit odd. I feel at home here,' Lerin said.
National Police Commissioner Petra Lundh attended the event to present a cultural scholarship to this year's winner, Joel Johansson. Johansson received the award for his work with Kristinehamn's board game associations, having founded the group Nördkreatörerna in 2018. 'It was a bit of a shock when it came. Nice that it's over. I'm not for all the attention,' Johansson commented on receiving the award.
It was a bit of a shock when it came. Nice that it's over. I'm not for all the attention,