INSPIRE
See More on Youtube
Graziella: INSPIRE
Be inspired by our latest impact story!
Go To
Inclusive Employment
Workplace success stories from DSRF and CDSS
Go To
Physician Letter
Download a letter from Dr. George Capone, informing medical professionals about critical healthcare tools for patients with Down syndrome
Go To
Through Andrew's Eyes
Unique photographic greeting cards featuring the world as seen through the camera lens of a young man with Down syndrome
Go To
DSRF Swag Shop
Official merchandise from the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation
Go To
Invest in Individuals with Down Syndrome
Empower individuals with Down syndrome to reach their full potential through a donation to DSRF.
Go To
.png)
.png)
From the Blog
Latest News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 16, 2019
CONTACT: Glen Hoos, Director of Communications – 604-444-3773 | glen@dsrf.org | http://DSRF.org
Local Martial Artist with Down Syndrome Becomes World Champion
BURNABY, BC – Darryl Andaya is no stranger to extraordinary accomplishments. Through nine years of intense dedication and hard work at his family’s studio in Burnaby, he earned his black belt in taekwon-do – a lofty achievement made even more impressive by the fact that Darryl has Down syndrome.
Darryl’s excellence in the martial arts propelled him all the way to New Zealand, where he represented Canada earlier this month at the inaugural International Special Needs Taekwon-do Games. There, he made history by becoming one of the first ever Special Needs Taekwon-do World Champions, winning two gold medals, one silver, and one bronze. As the one-man Canadian team, Darryl placed fourth among all nations and quickly became a fan favourite.
“Canada was well-loved and other countries chanted ‘Canada!’ every time Darryl went on the mats,” says his father Darius, owner of DSA Taekwon-do. “Darryl made lots of new friends from other countries and hopefully he can make it to the next one in the Netherlands in 2021.”
The medals he earned in New Zealand are not Darryl’s only accolades of late. Before jetting off to the Games, he added another prize to his burgeoning trophy shelf: the 2019 George Klukas Achievement Award.
Presented annually to a student of the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation by DSRF Board member George Klukas in recognition of significant improvement and success over the past year, the prestigious Klukas Award celebrates the achievements of an older teen or young adult with Down syndrome.
Darryl, 19, has completed years of speech therapy at DSRF, as well as participating in the popular Music in Motion program. Through his work at DSRF, Darryl has begun to speak more and become better able to vocalize his thoughts. He has become more confident and increasingly independent, making his own decisions and learning how to use the transit system.
Darryl's growing communication abilities, social skills, decision making, and athleticism have helped him in his transition to adulthood and in his development as a martial artist. From an early age, his perseverance and strong spirit have been clear, and have enabled him to achieve things that other people never thought he could do.
In addition to competing, Darryl also teaches taekwondo to young children, including children with disabilities. In conjunction with the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation, DSA Taekwon-do offers weekly classes for young people with Down syndrome. Darius hopes that many of these students will follow in Darryl’s footsteps.
“Two years is a long time,” he acknowledges, “but if they stay motivated, I can see some of our students going to the championships and experiencing what we just did.”
For more information on DSA Taekwon-do, visit https://dsataekwondo.com. For more information on Taekwon-do for individuals with Down syndrome, and other programs and services offered by the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation, visit http://DSRF.org.
Read more...The Lohn Foundation has been a consistent supporter for 6 straight years, investing $18,000 in individuals with Down syndrome in that time. They are making a real difference through DSRF's educational programs, and we're grateful for their 2019 donation of $3,000.
Read more...
For the fifth consecutive year, the John Hardie Mitchell Family Foundation has made a generous donation in support of the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation's educational programs for individuals with Down syndrome. The Foundation's $2,000 investment for 2019 will help students develop critical skills in the areas of reading, math, communications, speech, and more. We are so thankful for their ongoing support!
Read more...
RBC Future Launch has generously invested $20,000 in the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation’s transitional programs for young adults with Down syndrome, including Reading and Communications Plus, Social Communication and Navigation, and Money Math & Budgeting. These programs equip individuals with Down syndrome with skills that are essential to their success in the workplace and their ability to live independently.
DSRF is proud to be partnering with RBC for their RBC Future Launch initiative. Together, we will prepare individuals with Down syndrome find meaningful work and bring their unique contributions to our society.
“We’re excited to be working with the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation to help bring RBC Future Launch to life,” said Valerie Chort, Vice President, Corporate Citizenship, RBC. “We have a responsibility to prepare all young people for the opportunities and ambiguities of the future, including those with developmental disabilities. RBC Future Launch is a decade-long commitment to help Canadian youth prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.”
Read more...
Latest Tweets
@DSRFcanada
Hand in Hand Newsletter
Sign up to receive quarterly updates in your email
Subscribe
1409 Sperling Avenue, Burnaby
British Columbia, Canada
V5B 4J8
Fax: +1 604 431 9248
Phone: +1 604 444 3773
E-mail: info@dsrf.org
British Columbia, Canada
V5B 4J8
Fax: +1 604 431 9248
Phone: +1 604 444 3773
E-mail: info@dsrf.org