The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
A message of Down Syndrome
10.28.2009 | Football
Oct. 28, 2009
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Roddrick Muckelroy with a group |
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Mack Brown with Jack and his mother, Suzanne Shepherd
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The vision of the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas (DSACT) is stated as "a world in which all members, including those with Down Syndrome, are accepted, valued for their uniqueness, respected for their abilities and contributions, and assured the opportunity and choice to create their own path to fulfillment and success."
Last week, the Longhorns got a first-hand opportunity to see the meaning behind that when several families affiliated with DSACT and the Special Olympics who have children with Down Syndrome attended practice and met the team. The condition is one that causes delays in physical and intellectual development
"Leaders that everyone looks up to are the UT football team," said Suzanne Shepherd, who is a DSACT board member, co-chair of the health care committee and president nominee. "For our community to have this opportunity to meet and take a picture with them is tremendously inspiring to us."
It was equally inspiring for the Longhorns who were able to hear the message as Shepherd and her son, Jack, who has Down Syndrome, spoke to the team after practice.
"I love UT football and I enjoyed meeting them," Jack said with a big grin. "I looked forward to meeting Colt McCoy and it felt good to take a picture with him."
"We really enjoyed getting a chance to meet all of the kids and their families," head coach Mack Brown followed. "They had a great time and our guys had a lot of fun visiting and taking pictures with them. It also was a wonderful learning experience for our kids to meet the folks at the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas and understand their message."
The mission of DSACT is to provide education, support, and resources to individuals with Down syndrome, their families, professionals, and the community while building public awareness and acceptance of the abilities of individuals with Down syndrome.
"We really hope it will set the example for all people who look up them to know the word 'retard' and 'retarded,' while they're common and are used, they're hurtful," Shepherd explained. "We're hoping a new understanding will come from today."
For more information on the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas visit DSACT.com
