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Horsham’s Koenig family is encouraging Wimmera people to bust a move throughout October to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

Sallie and Josh Koenig and their children Oskar, 5, Adeline, 3, and Banjo, 1, are participating in a ‘21 Your Way’ campaign to raise money for Down Syndrome Victoria.

Mrs Koenig said the family usually participated in a Step Up for Down Syndrome walk – in honour of Oskar, who has Down syndrome – however the event was cancelled this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re improvising by going with ‘21 Your Way’,” she said.

“Together, Oskar and our family will be dancing for 21 days, just to have fun, raise awareness and celebrate Down syndrome.

“We’re also raising money for Down Syndrome Victoria, if anyone wants to donate, that would be amazing. Otherwise, if people just want to join us for some fun, dancing along for 21 days, that would also be awesome.”

The ‘21’ is in recognition of ‘trisomy 21’, which refers to the presence of a third copy of chromosome 21 in everyone who has Down syndrome. All money raised through ‘21 Your Way’ will help Down Syndrome Victoria representatives support and empower people with Down syndrome to have full access to social and economic inclusion.

Mrs Koenig said her children were already enjoying the ‘21 Your Way’ experience.

“It’s good fun – we love a good dance, so any excuse,” she said. 

“We will be dancing to a different song each day and we’d love you to join us. So grab your friends, family or even at your workplace and have a little boogie. You can’t beat a bit of feel good nowadays.” 

Mrs Koenig encouraged participants to tag her @lessonsfromoskar Instagram page. She said people could also donate to the family’s Oskar’s Warriors team online or visit www.downsyndrome.org.au/vic for more information about the organisation and its resources.

– Sarah Matthews