Be down for happiness

The Miss & Mister Down syndrome contest in Romania

There is a stigma attached to Down syndrome in Romania. Finding official statistics is an extremely challenging quest, with authorities making no efforts to have and provide updated reports. Non-governmental organisations believe there are more than 50,000 people with Down syndrome. And statistics are not the only ones lacking. There are few facilities for individuals having the syndrome and access to education for children with Down is rare.

But somehow, in a cinema room in Cluj-Napoca, all these issues seemed to fade away for two days, while the Miss & Mister Down contest was taking place. There was music, poetry, and dancing. There was joy and laughter. It felt magical. Going left or right, I was surrounded by positive energy. 

The first day was assigned to the talent show. In an adjacent room, contestants were getting ready for it. Girls had their eyelids painted in pastel colours, their hair strands turned into curls. Boys arranged their haircuts and bow-ties. All dressed-up for the occasion. And then the show began.

“Let's rock everybody, let's rock / Everybody in the whole cell block / Was dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock”. With Elvis’ voice filling the room, people started to rejoice. One of the contestants, in his multicolour glittery bow-tie, danced among the seat rows, while his mother unsuccessfully tried to get him to sit down. He was all rhythm, he was all soul. And his enthusiasm was contagious. 

On stage, they all seemed confident and eager to show their talent. Whether it was a nice voice, some great dancing moves or gripping reciting flair. Each performance was rewarded with wild applauses and each contestant got a few hugs from his friends and family on the return way to his seat.

Even if society is lazy in finding the right ways for their inclusion, the Down community was happy to include contestants that do not have the syndrome. They had a contest section for regular young people, the Inclusion awards.

The second day was assigned to the parade, the voting and the award ceremony. The new make-up, hair-do and clothes were worn with confidence as each participant stepped on stage, making his round in front of the friendly audience. Red and Thatcher blue, dark green and black, glitter and shine, were all present. Careful steps, pirouettes - sometimes childishly unbalanced, deep bows and smiling salutes were part of the routine. 

So were applauses and hugs.