Embracing inclusivity

Windsor Park

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This article was published 29/03/2023 (1102 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Students and staff at General Vanier School went all out to mark World Down Syndrome Day on March 21.

The Windsor Park school held a special assembly to celebrate the occasion, which featured special guest Liam Frain.

The 24-year-old General Vanier alumnus appeared in the made-in-Manitoba film Champions starring Woody Harrelson, which was released earlier this month and tells the story of a basketball team, coached by Harrelson’s character, training and competing in the Special Olympics.

The school’s population also took part in Wacky Sock Day, which is part of the Canadian Down Syndrome Society’s annual campaign.

“This year, some of the students did a project about Down syndrome to help people understand what Down syndrome is,” said Callia, a Grade 5 student who helped organize the day’s events, said just before the assembly. “The group presented to many of the classes and encouraged them to wear wacky socks.”

Co-organizers Amadora (Grade 6) and Sabrina (Grade 5) agreed that a big part of World Down Syndrome Day is about embracing all-inclusivity and celebrating everyone’s own unique self.

“Anyone can do anything they put their mind to,” Amadora said. “No one is the same, at all. And a person with Down syndrome can do absolutely anything.”

Callia added the event represented the fact the school has a diverse population.

“ Anyone can do anything they put their mind to…

“We have students that have Down syndrome, and they are part of us like everyone else. It’s important that they feel appreciated and special,” she said.

When Frain was introduced at the assembly, he received a rapturous reception before proceeding to tell the audience about some of his experiences.

He said he loved the experience of working on the Champions movie and the recognition it has garnered.

“We even walked the red carpet on opening night at the theatre,” he said, noting Harrelson is “so funny.”

“That’s part of why I wanted to talk to you about my disability today. It’s important for me to talk to people like you guys and telling you how awesome having Down syndrome can be.”

Frain also gave a gave a shout-out to his former teachers — who have supported him “all the way” — as well his dad, who accompanied him. When asked by a student who his favourite superhero is, Frain replied Spider-Man, before pausing for thought: “But my most favourite hero? I’ll take my dad.”

Based on further questioning, the audience learned Frain enjoys basketball — which would make sense — hanging out with friends and being a social media influencer. He also loves pizza, and his hometown hockey team, the Winnipeg Jets, a declaration that was greeted with a huge roar.