IRELAND’S first ever European Youth Exchange Summer Camp for people with Williams Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes multiple development problems, will be hosted by the University of Limerick next week.
Launched this Wednesday by Health Minister Simon Harris and jazz singer Honor Heffernan, the camp is organised by the Williams Syndrome Association of Ireland (WSAI) and Trisha Wilkinson from Léargas, the national agency that coordinates funding from the Erasmus + Youth Exchange Programme.
Williams Syndrome causes multiple development problems that can include heart problems, narrowed blood vessels, musculoskeletal problems, and learning disabilities. The Syndrome is estimated to occur in about one in 20,000 births, and affects approximately 100 families in Ireland.
The camp is targeted at people with Williams Syndrome aged 13 to 30, and is focused on the theme, ‘Our Music, Our Culture’. Some 80 people from 11 different European countries will attend. Activities will include music workshops, theatre workshops, flora and fauna trails, an introduction to Gaelic games, and day-trips to Bunratty Castle and the Cliffs of Moher.
Commenting at the launch of the summer camp, Ann Breen, founder and honorary President of the WSAI, said: “We chose ‘Music and Culture’ as the theme for the camp because almost all people with Williams Syndrome have hyper-sensitive hearing and some have perfect pitch and extraordinary musical talents.”
“Throughout the week of the camp, we will be nurturing participants’ musical talent and their love of different types of music”, she explained.
by Alan Jacques
