World Down Syndrome Day (21 March 2025) - Nolan Leong

Nolan (right) with his siblings

Nolan (middle) with his family

World Down Syndrome Day (21 March 2025): Nolan’s Journey with Down Syndrome 

This World Down Syndrome Day, Club Rainbow (Singapore) is proud to shine a spotlight on Nolan, a bright and cheerful 9-year-old who embodies resilience, love, and boundless enthusiasm. 

Nolan is a bubbly young boy currently studying at Grace Orchard School. Diagnosed with Down Syndrome and Global Developmental Delay at birth, Nolan has faced various challenges, and yet his journey is filled with milestones that inspire those around him. 

Physical development was initially a hurdle for Nolan – he only started holding his neck upright at 10 months old and took his first steps at around 3.5 years old. Despite these delays, Nolan has always been a determined child, growing stronger each day. While he has been generally healthy, his greatest triumphs lie in his ability to communicate effectively, engage in meaningful conversations, and express his emotions with clarity and confidence. 

Nolan’s journey with Club Rainbow began in 2019 after being introduced by his development doctor at National University Hospital (NUH). Since then, he has participated in occupational therapy and physiotherapy sessions, along with enriching activities like educational support programmes, the Club Rainbow Family Retreat, and Camp Rainbow. The kindness and support from Club Rainbow’s staff and volunteers have played a crucial role in his development and his family’s journey. 

Nolan has made incredible progress over the years – from performing daily tasks independently to following routines at home and in school, he has continuously shown resilience. His ability to care for and express love to his family, especially his younger siblings, is a testament to his compassionate nature. 

Nolan enjoys reading, watching movies, play-acting, dancing, scooting, cycling, playing tabletop games, swimming, and colouring. He dreams of one day opening a chicken rice store with his brother, where he will take charge of cooking and serve others with joy. 

Nolan’s family hopes for him to lead an independent and fulfilling life, where he can find joy and meaning in his journey. They dream of a society where he is accepted, given the opportunity to work, and empowered to make sound decisions for his future. 

“Nolan is a big blessing and joy to the family. We hope to support him to reach for the stars and lead a happy and fulfilling life, overcoming all odds that may be in his way.” 

As we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day, Nolan’s story reminds us of the power of perseverance, love, and the unwavering support of a community. Let’s continue to embrace inclusion and empower individuals like Nolan to thrive in a world full of possibilities. 

World Down Syndrome Day is a global awareness day to help people understand and support those with Down Syndrome better. The date being the 21st day of the 3rd month was chosen to represent the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down Syndrome. Around 1 in every 800 babies will be born with Down Syndrome. People with Down Syndrome usually have an intellectual disability, and some health conditions are also more common in them. 

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