Adventures of Mississippi Gulf Coast Down Syndrome Society at Mississippi Aquarium

Some special children here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and their parents took an adventurous trip today at the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport.

Eight-year-old Airen Jones engulfed himself in aquatic wonders in Gulfport, along with other local children and their parents, all members of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Down Syndrome Society, including the group’s president, Aleshia Jones, Airen’s mother. “They’re excited about the dolphins and penguins, all the different animals.”

Including the stingrays and there were plenty of picture-perfect moments to go around. “We just come together celebrating inclusion, and the Down Syndrome Society just wanting to be like everyone else.”

That’s what outings like this are all about: learning and supporting one another. “Everybody needs somebody they can lean to for questions and comments. Each child is different, and every child experiences things differently.”

Clearly seen here at the Mississippi Aquarium Friday. Mississippi Aquarium President and CEO Kurt Allen said, “We are happy to welcome members of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Down Syndrome Society here on property. Our pillars really resonate around education, conservation and community, and for us to be able to give back to the community is really important to us.”

As for this group, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Down Syndrome Society members are always looking to expand their family. “We’re on Facebook. We also have a website. You can reach out to any of our members. We’d love to talk to you and roll you into this rodeo.”