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Barrington teen with Down syndrome sings national anthem at White Sox game as part of awareness night

A Barrington teen took the field at a recent Chicago White Sox baseball game to sing the national anthem, giving the 19-year-old with Down syndrome a boost of confidence.

GiGi Gianni sang the anthem at the start of the Sept. 15 game where the White Sox hosted the Los Angeles Angels, and the game day was also “Developmental Disability Awareness Night.”

Gianni said singing the song made her feel confident. She said she thought her performance was “amazing” and the anthem means so much to her.

“It’s about our country and helps our troops and other people,” she explained.

GiGi Gianni said she can use her condition to connect with people. With Down syndrome, the teen said she also has some other physical limitations – including challenges with being able to sing.

“I have low muscle tone and an extra chromosome,” the teen explained. “That’s what makes me special.”

Gianni began taking singing lessons when she was 9 years old, her family explained, adding that she had been singing long before then. Her favorite song is the national anthem, so her vocal coach helped her perfect singing it.

She sang at the Wednesday night game using an earpiece so she could hear the music, and even continued singing when the piece fell out.

Her mother, Nancy, says when GiGi was born, the new mom was greeted with condolences rather than congratulations. GiGi Gianni had been diagnosed with Down syndrome, a condition in which an individual is born with an extra chromosome.

“There was so much negativity that surrounded the diagnosis when she was born, but with my other kids it was a celebration,” Nancy Gianni said. “They just kept sending clergy. I swear, every type of priest that was in that hospital came in to pray with me.”

Nancy Gianni went on to found GiGi’s Playhouse, a network of Down syndrome achievement centers with over 50 locations across the United States and Mexico, including one in Hoffman Estates. The centers strive for global acceptance of individuals with Down syndrome, especially “in their families, schools and communities,” according to the non-profit organization’s website.

GiGi’s Playhouse also helps provide programming for people with Down syndrome.

GiGi’s Playhouse is a family organization, with the teen’s older brother, Franco, also playing a major role in advocacy.

“I’ve had this organization as a part of my life since I was 6 years old, and then over the years I’ve just spent a lot of time around the organization volunteering and working different events throughout the course of my life,” said Franco Gianni. “My big goal now is trying to become as much of an advocate and spread global awareness for all individuals with disabilities.”

With her daughter singing at the White Sox game, Nancy Giannni said she and her family hope awareness is raised for GiGi’s Playhouse and individuals with Down syndrome.

“I hope that (the players) are touched,” said Nancy Gianni. “I hope they hear her sing and they become inspired, and then they go home and talk to their kids about it. What we need is more dialogue to make these guys like your best friend.”

Emily Little is a freelancer.