Today marks World Down Syndrome Day which is a global awareness event held every year to celebrate people with Down syndrome.

The annual event is held on 21st March and is a time to celebrate every person across the world who has Down syndrome, recognising achievements and contributions and raising awareness, acceptance and understanding of people with Down syndrome, remembering how they play a vital role in our lives and communities.

To help celebrate the occasion we take a look back at a visit done earlier this season with first-team players Barry Douglas and Ben White, when the duo paid a special visit to Elland Road to meet with youngsters with Down syndrome as part of an activity session with the Leeds United Foundation.

The youngsters and their families are all part of a local organisation called Sunshine & Smiles that works as a support network for families in Leeds with a child or young person with Down syndrome.

The club's official charity work with Sunshine & Smiles on a regular basis to help deliver fun, engaging and motivational sessions that include games, competitions and physical activity.

During their visit, the Leeds United duo spent time joining in various activities with the young children and their siblings, colouring in Leeds United kits, taking part in a penalty shoot out, having photos taken and handing out certificates to everyone in attendance.

Ben White spoke to LUTV during the appearance and said: "For us it's all about coming down and trying to just put smiles on the kids faces but we've also really enjoyed being here and it's put a smile on our faces too.

"It's so important to sometimes realise how lucky we are and seeing how much they appreciate the little things, like us just being here for an hour with them. It was inspiring to see how much fun they were having and them interacting with the coaches and their families."

Joanna Rowlands, Founder of Sunshine and Smiles and mum of 10-year-old Freddie who has Down syndrome, added: "Freddie always wanted to play football but couldn't quite keep up with the local children so we set up a little group five years ago for children with Down syndrome.

"The Foundation have been brilliant for us, they do some fantastic holiday camps which is important for us as our kids don't get many opportunities during school holidays to join in mainstream camps. Sessions like this today are an absolute treasure to us, they just come along and enjoy different activities and get some exercise.

"A day like today with some of the players here means everything to them and us as parents, it's been beyond exciting for everyone involved."

To take a look at the video from the visit, please click here.