On July 27, 2006
Ye Lei held the initial meeting with two mothers at Taiyueyuan, Luozhuang Xili in Beijing. The topic of their discussion was the entrepreneurship and welfare plan for "Tangbao (Children with Down Syndrom) Home". During this year, the groundwork was laid for the World Down Syndrome Congress. Ye Lei made a solemn vow to introduce this significant event to China.
March 21, 2011
marked the launch of "Meeting for Ten Years", the predecessor of UFD China. Initiated by Ye Lei, the mother of Cao Ran, and volunteer Zhou Bokai (also known as Mao Lv) met in Hangzhou. This event brought together parents from across the country, each accompanied by their children. The Mofang Outdoor Forum and volunteers from diverse fields lent their robust support, forging a golden triangle structure where parents and volunteers joined hands to support children with Down syndrome. Embracing the fearless spirit of "Even if we can't do it perfectly, we won't fall too short", they joyously embarked on this journey.
In the summer of 2012
a remarkable summer camp for children with Down syndrome, organized by civil entities on the Chinese mainland, made its debut. The West Lake Scenic Area Administration Committee extended a warm welcome by providing free access to the zoo, boat tours, and sightseeing bus rides around the lake. The official website dedicated a special page to cover this event, attracting media attention from TV stations. The charming smiles of the children and the composed demeanor of their parents became an indelible memory of 2012, the inaugural United Nations World Down Syndrome Day. The heartwarming banner, "The West Lake Welcomes Children with Down Syndrome", not only symbolized the city of Hangzhou's hospitality but also its unique bond with the Down syndrome community.
December 2012
witnessed an organized visit to Nanjing Aide Bakery. The sight of children learning baking skills rekindled parents' hopes for their children's future.
In July 2017
Hangzhou once again played host to a summer camp. Volunteer Zhao Bin presided over a solemn and grand coming-of-age ceremony for 18-year-olds with Down syndrome. Volunteer Yu Yuanyuan contributed all the dresses for the ceremony, creating an unforgettable moment engraved in everyone's heart. By then, 18 years had passed since the initial efforts.
In 2018
the Shanghai team was established, with Super Mary joining. The official WeChat account was launched, and designer Yu Ling brought in aesthetic concepts. Sister Helen organized the Respite Station, and a series of vibrant activities unfolded. In the same year, the Down Syndrome Committee of China, the highest-level organization for Down syndrome in the country, was founded. Our seasoned volunteer, Li Jianhai, took on the role of deputy director. This year also saw "Meeting for Ten Years" establish contact with the international organization DSi. During the collective birthday celebration for Chinese young people with Down syndrome, DSi sent a congratulatory letter, signaling the beginning of a international connection for the Chinese Down syndrome community.
On January 15, 2019
Ye Lei paid her first visit to DSi. There, she delved into the history of Down syndrome groups worldwide, voiced China's aspiration to host the World Down Syndrome Congress, and expressed the hope to see Chinese representatives among the international Down syndrome ambassadors. She also gained valuable insights into the concepts and principles of self-advocacy.
On March 5, 2019
Super Mary, Jing Bo, and Ye Lei initiated a series of self-advocacy activities in Shanghai. They planted the seeds of "I am master of my life" in the hearts of children like 11-year- old Tang Yifeng.
On August 6, 2019
at the cordial invitation of the Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Down Syndrome Federation, the group, under the civil identity of "Up for Down’s Shanghai China", was admitted to APDSF. The Chairman's words, "As long as you are a committed group dedicated to serving people with Down syndrome, we will recognize and embrace you", echoed the inclusive spirit of the organization.
In December of the same year
founding member Zhou Bokai, Super Mary, parent He Xiang, and Ye Lei attended the Asia-Pacific Annual Conference in Dubai, UAE. It was their first encounter with children with Down syndrome from other countries and various Asia-Pacific Down syndrome organizations.
On January 17, 2020
Ye Lei visited DSi for the second time. She was astounded by the numerous achievements made at a rapid pace over the past year. Both parties agreed to slow down and take a breather. Little did they know that fate had other plans, and the COVID-19 pandemic ensued, lasting for three long years.
March 21, 2021
saw the successful conclusion of "Meeting for Ten Years", and the ten-year journey of UFD China was officially inaugurated. Zhang Ping assumed the position of Executive Director, and Ying Ping became the Deputy Executive Director. Mr. Jia Xiaohui, a parent from Dalian, bestowed the name "UFD China" upon the organization. Volunteer Yu Ling designed the logo and the signature flag for UFD China.
On March 21, 2022
UFD China achieved a world-record feat by hosting the only offline World Down Syndrome Day celebration globally. This was made possible thanks to the support of the West Lake Sightseeing Company.
On September 28, 2022
a preparatory meeting for UFD China (DingtangTiancheng Co.,Ltd) was convened. The primary mission of the company is to raise funds for international Down syndrome exchange activities. Comprising three parents and two volunteers, the company's affairs are overseen by the Executive Director of UFD China.
On November 11, 2022
a UFD China meeting was held. The entire team realigned their efforts and established key principles: the golden triangle model, a focus on being small yet exquisite, the practice of self-advocacy, and selfless dedication to the Down syndrome community.
On August 9, 2023
Ye Lei paid her third visit to DSi, expressing the desire for UFD China to become a member of DSi. The response was enthusiastic, and UFD China swiftly joined as "Up for Down's China".
In October 2023
in response to the Global Down Syndrome Awareness Month, volunteer Ma Wanqiu, with limited funds, rallied various volunteers to organize an outstanding concert. This event was met with great enthusiasm from children with Down syndrome and their parents. The volunteers, in turn, were won over by the charm of these children.
In February 2024
UFD China's first promotional video was produced with substantial support from the West Lake Scenic Area Administration. The outdoor scenes were filmed at the scenic Wushan Hill. The video will showcase the smiles of the Chinese Down syndrome community at the United Nations World Down Syndrome Day meeting, presenting the grace of the Chinese community and volunteers to the global stage.
On March 21, 2024
the UFD China team participated in the United Nations World Down Syndrome Day meeting. Ye Lei and Tang Yifeng took the stage to speak, and Tang Yifeng's charisma left a profound impression on the global audience. UFD China's promotional video was screened prior to the afternoon session.
On October 1, 2024
Ye Lei visited DSi for the fourth time, finalizing the selection and tenure of Down syndrome ambassadors. In the same year, Ma Wanqiu organized the October Down Syndrome Concert, which is set to become an annual tradition.
In January 2025
Tang Yifeng officially assumed the role of a Down syndrome ambassador. At long last, the international Down syndrome stage resonates with a Chinese voice.