To help fundraise leading up to World Down’s Syndrome Day 2023, we launched the campaign #21Challenge. This challenge was set out to encourage others to do 21 of something and be sponsored for completing the tasks. We came up with a list of ideas that would be suitable for all ages and abilities, creating a fun way for our young people to check off the tasks as they completed them, leading up to a grand total of 21 tasks.

It was great to hear from our community on what tasks they were completing for #21Challenge, but the most notable was Noah and his sister Harriet. Each day, for twenty-one days, they were filmed performing a new Makaton sign for everyone to watch and learn!

The 21 Together office staff also took up their own #21Challenge, in which they paired up and competed to see which team could put 21 extra items of clothing on in the quickest amount of time. We paired up into three teams:

‘The Old Girls’, comprised of Alex & Jo;
‘The Community Massive’ which was made up of Kayley, Julie & Sam; and
‘The New Kids’ Anna & Elliott.

These three teams took to the stage at our WDSD Circus event, racing against the clock to put on the clothing items as quickly as possible. Before they took to the stage, members of the audience had a chance to place their bets on which team they thought would win.

The timer started, and '21 Seconds' by So Solid Crew began to blare from the speakers. All three teams were rushing to build up their layers and accessories to get to the magic number of 21. The temperature started to rise as the layers got thicker and thicker. Mobility was severely restricted and the teams started to struggle to get any more layers on!

‘The Old Girls’ were the winners, with Jo strategically having feather scarves, cowboy hats and sunglasses in her bag of items, allowing for item after item in quick succession.

Thanks to everyone who took part in #21Challenge this year, and keep an eye out for what we have in store next WDSD!