Over 400 people ed to attend this year’s World Down Syndrome Day, a celebration held in Encinitas Community Park on March 23. World Down Syndrome Day is dedicated to encouraging families and raising awareness, so that people growing up with Down syndrome are fully accepted and embraced by their communities.
Local organizations at Gigi’s PlayHouse, Down Syndrome Action and Down Syndrome Association of San Diego hosted the Encinitas event that included fun games and activities, free resources and practical for families.
Local Encinitas company BoxxyBall was invited to bring their new game for families to play in the park, the same park where BoxxyBall was born in 2023.
“I was playing at the park with my kids when I had the idea for this game. Now it’s a new sport growing along the California coast,” said Alex McLellan, an Encinitas resident. “You catch-and-throw the ball through the net, so everyone can play. That’s why we love sharing it and ing this special day.”
McLellan connected with Gigi’s Playhouse a few years ago, a center that provides programs for individuals of all ages with Down syndrome, from classes for infants and preschoolers to job training for adults. Along with DS Action and DSA of San Diego, McLellan said the three organizations are doing incredible work with some amazing local families. Since his game launched, 10% of BoxxyBall’s profits go to charity, which includes Gigi’s Playhouse.
Until now, BoxxyBall has only been available to buy online on their website or Amazon, but McLellan is excited that the game will now be on sale locally at the Hansen Surfboards shop in Encinitas starting this week.
Find out more about BoxxyBall at boxxyball.com
