World Down Syndrome Day

“An important pillar of our society”

Fiona Wolf opened this year's Opera Ball as a debutante.

(Bild: Starpix / A. Tuma)

Fiona Wolf danced as a debutante at the Vienna Opera Ball, inspired people on the internet with her positive messages, and now the young woman has also become a role model for Austrian politics.

Fiona Wolf works in gastronomy, has thousands of followers on social media and opened this year's Vienna Opera Ball as a debutante. "She shows in an impressive way that people with Down's syndrome are not only capable, but also destined to live their individual dreams. And her enriching manner encourages us to break down prejudices and work together to create a world in which everyone has the same opportunities and possibilities," said Johanna Mikl-Leitner, head of the province, in praise of the young woman.

Fiona Wolf and Johanna Mikl-Leitner

(Bild: NLK Pfeiffer)

On the occasion of "World Down Syndrome Day" on March 21, the two met in the St. Pölten Landhaus. Wolf is one of around 9,000 people in Austria who carry 47 chromosomes in their body cells instead of the usual 46. "People with Down's syndrome are an important and indispensable pillar of society, but also of the world of work. It is therefore extremely important to recognize and promote their talents and integrate them into the world of work and business," Mikl-Leitner made clear at the meeting.