The annual Tee 21 Charity Golf Day was another swinging success for 2026.

Nine-year-old Ellie is marching to her own drum beat. Born with Down syndrome, Ellie faces a number of physical and intellectual challenges that impact her ability to communicate — but she hasn’t let that stop her from becoming the first girl with Down syndrome in New Zealand history to compete in the national marching competition.

Starting at school is one of the most exciting milestones in a child’s life and UpsideDowns is privileged to walk beside many of Aotearoa’s kids with Down syndrome as they begin their education journeys.

Josh Bradley was a determined kid. He had a drive to communicate, but when he would try to speak the words just didn’t come out right. Being unable to express what he wanted or convey how he felt inevitably led to frustration. For many kids living with Down syndrome like Josh, their understanding outpaces their verbal communication skills.

On the evening of Saturday, 13 September, hundreds of glamorously attired philanthropists converged on Eden Park’s stately Grand Hall for a magnificent night of wining and fine dining, music and dance, bidding and mingling — and making a massive difference to the lives of children and young people with Down syndrome.

The UpsideDowns Education Trust is now GST registered. We are now able to claim GST on funded speech and language therapy sessions. This will allow us to maximise resources available to our members and increase financial sustainability.

The third annual Tee 21 Charity Golfing Day was a magnificent success with scores of enthusiastic golfers and their families raising much needed funds for speech and language therapy.

This World Down Syndrome Day, Friday, 21 March, our Tee 21 golfing day returns!

Dear UpsideDowns Members and Supporters,

As we approach the end of another busy year, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on our journey and share some positive updates with you…

Giving Tuesday is on 3 December, 2024. We aim to raise $25,000 to give the gift of speech this Christmas.