Special children impress crowd with dancing and singing

JOHOR BARU: Parent Zalina Ismail, 42, beamed with pride as her learning disabled daughter Helyza Hamdan performed a ballet during the launch of the World Down Syndrome Day by Tengku Mahkota of Johor’s consort Raja Zarith Sofia Sultan Idris Shah.

Zalina said her five-year-old daughter was diagnosed with Down Syndrome since birth.

“As a mother, I am really proud to see her having fun along with the other children,” she said.

Here you go: Raja Zarith Sofia Sultan Idris Shah accompanied by Johor Baru Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation centre chairman John Tok (left) giving a goody bag to one of the kids.

Helyza was among a group of Down Syndrome children who performed during the World Down Syndrome Day celebrations here in the Sutera mall recently.

Another parent Ng Chai Lian, 46, said the event gave her son a chance to do what he loved best, which is singing.

“My son Wai Jian, loves music and has always wanted to sing.

“This is a perfect opportunity for him to express himself,” said the proud mother.

The eight-year-old boy performed his number called I have a dream during the event.

Apart from the learning disabled kids, children from the SMK Infant Jesus Convent and students from the Monash University and Southern College also performed to liven up the event.

Johor Baru Kiwanis Club past president Lim Len Chow said that this was the third World Down Syndrome Day organised by the club.

“This year, we recorded the highest turnout with 191 Down Syndrome children and teenagers from Johor and Malacca,” he said.