Australian Rugby League star Valentine Holmes joins Down Syndrome Australia as ambassador
October 19, 2020
Down Syndrome Australia is pleased to welcome Australian Rugby League star Valentine Holmes as an ambassador for Down Syndrome Australia.
Holmes’ older sister April has Down syndrome and she has always been a big part of his life.
“I’m excited to join forces with Down Syndrome Australia to help raise awareness and to tackle the stigma faced by people with intellectual disability,” Holmes’ says.
“I couldn’t have wished for a more loving sister than April. Yet she, and many other people with Down syndrome, still face discrimination in the community.
“October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month and it is an opportunity to raise awareness and to work to make Australia a more inclusive place for people with intellectual disability.”
Down Syndrome Australia CEO, Dr Ellen Skladzien, says she is pleased to have an internationally recognised sport star use his influence to help raise awareness.
“Valentine knows first-hand about the discrimination people with Down syndrome face in the community.” Dr Skladzien says.
“People with Down syndrome still don’t have equal opportunities to employment, inclusive education and healthcare. Valentine understands the importance of changing this so we can become a more accessible and inclusive society.”
