Today in the Time of Our Lives, we feature Valentine Holmes, the Down Syndrome Australia Ambassador.
Valentine Holmes, an Australian Rugby League superstar, has always put his family first and walks along the touchline with them in mind. Val grew up with one sister and three brothers. “ I am blessed to have such a diverse background and a family who have shaped who I am today.” wrote Holmes.
Val’s sister is one year older than him, and they have always had a close relationship, April now 27 years old, has Down syndrome. She has been Val’s biggest supporter, and he has been hers; he has always wanted the best for her and the community. Valentine has seen first-hand some of the discrimination that April has faced over the years, highlighting that more needs to be done to bring awareness to the community to celebrate people with Down syndrome.
Holmes, in 2019 became the Ambassador for Down Syndrome Australia, which came as naturally as footy has for Val. “I feel proud and excited to be in the position where I am and be able to do something to make people happy and increase awareness for Down syndrome.” Said Holmes.
Over the weekend, Val joined the Down Syndrome Queensland Townsville Community for StepUP! #21YourWay. The community come together to walk along the Strand to show their support and raise funds for Down Syndrome Queensland. Val enjoyed participating in StepUP! “It was great; I felt proud to be part of the walk and always love kicking the footy with the kids. The Down syndrome community in Townsville are a great group of people,” said Holmes.
#DSQ #StepUpforDownsyndrome #Inclusion #Downsyndrome