New Canaan Y celebrates World Down Syndrome Day

Marisa McBride (standing in center), Director of Special Needs Programming at the YMCA, thanks everyone for their participation. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

As the entire group enters the gym to wrap it up, accomplished keyboardist (and black belt!) Frank Scarfone provides the music. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

Back up in the gym, the day almost at a close, Owen Smith takes a last shot. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

The "boys" get serious in the hockey room! Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

Downstairs in a darkened squash room, a little Wii action! Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

There were many special moments during the celebration.  Here, JP Novak sits and plays comfortably in the lap of his dad, Jerald Novak. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

Three-year-old Griffin Juergens found and held on to his very favorite book while in the music room. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

Then there was music....  Madeline Maxfield shakes her tambourine and sings along with Karen Nisenson from Arts For Healing on the keyboard. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

Jia Soyal and Iza Kurpios enjoy making beaded necklaces. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

The Y was continuous activity from room to room.  Here in the art room, Katie O'Meara is busy at work - with mom Julie looking on admiringly. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

Micheal McMahon lines up his shot, with a little help from YMCA's Danielle Martin. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

On the smaller court, 5-year-old Olivia McMahon takes a shot. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

Sixth grader Eric Naposki and Geoff Rail contend for the ball. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

Meanwhile....in the gym,  8th grader Geoff Rail out-maneuvers his opponent playing hoops. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

Katie La Cava and her father, Chris La Cava, found their fun on the rope swing. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

YMCA Special Needs Program Director Marisa McBride takes a moment with John and Robin Somma. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

Father and son, Adam and Ryan Newcomb, share some fun moments during the celebration. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

Kamilah Albir plays in the balls at the YMCA this past Sunday in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

This past Sunday the New Canaan YMCA along with Fairfield County's "21 Strong" hosted a celebration of World Down Syndrome Day. It was a lively event as practically every room of the Y held different activities for families and friends. Little Ryan Bresnahan, photographed here, couldn't have had any more fun while jumping on the trampoline, with the helping hands of Rose Maxfield (left) and Alli Kinnie. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard