Puerto Rican child among 500 to be honored in Times Square for NDSS Down Syndrome presentation

The NDSS presentation, a yearly tradition, aims to remind the world of people with Down syndrome’s invaluable contributions to their communities.

The smiling face of Puerto Rican child Thiago Figueroa Rivera is set to shine among 500 other photos of children, teens, and adults with Down syndrome from all 50 US states and 14 other countries.

On Sept. 7, Thiago’s image will be showcased in the heart of Times Square, New York City, during the National Down Syndrome Society’s (NDSS) annual video presentation.

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Selected from nearly 3,000 entries in the NDSS global photo submission, the 7-year-old from Ponce, Puerto Rico, will have his photo displayed on two large screens in Times Square above the Dos Caminos restaurant, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. this Saturday. It will also be streamed live on  NDSS’s Facebook page.

The NDSS presentation, a yearly tradition, aims to remind the world of people with Down syndrome’s invaluable contributions to their communities.

Thiago’s family is overjoyed by his selection, having submitted his photo to the NDSS contest for several years. This year, their dream came true. Thiago, who is passionate about sports like soccer, basketball, swimming, bodyboarding, and gymnastics, also loves to learn his 9-year-old sister’s dance routines.

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His mother, Melissa Rivera, expressed her excitement, telling El Nuevo Día, “It’s a huge joy because, thank God, children with Down syndrome are now getting more exposure. Seeing their photos in such an important place as Times Square is emotional because it shows that they can achieve anything in life, just like any other child.”

Thiago’s family, including his parents, sister, uncles, and grandparents, will travel together to New York to witness this special moment. While the exact number of Puerto Rican children selected for the NDSS presentation has not been disclosed, five other Puerto Rican families will also celebrate this occasion. They will gather with flags and shirts commemorating the event, which will be followed by the 30th annual New York City Buddy Walk in Central Park.