Special Olympics athletes make an impact at Attitude Awards

Wednesday 30 November For immediate release

Media release

Special Olympics athletes make an impact at Attitude Awards

Special Olympics New Zealand congratulates several of its athletes named as winners and finalists in the 2016 Attitude Awards, which were presented last night at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland.

Special Olympics Nelson basketball coach and athlete Graeme Porter, who is also Special Olympics New Zealand’s Athlete Representative on the Board, took out the Attitude Sporting Spirit category.

Graeme has committed thousands of hours to supporting basketball in his region, and was selected for the Special Olympics New Zealand basketball team for the 2007 World Summer Games in Shanghai. He also represents Special Olympics New Zealand as a Global Messenger and is on the Athletes Committee for the Nelson Club.

Grant McKenzie (Special Olympics Southland) and the Special Olympics New Zealand basketball team for the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games were also finalists in the Attitude Sporting Spirit category, and Hamish Taverner (Special Olympics Manawatu) was a finalist for the Attitude Making a Difference award.

“The Attitude Awards are an amazing opportunity for the achievements of New Zealanders who live with a disability to be recognised for their achievements,” said Kathy Gibson, Chief Executive for Special Olympics New Zealand.

“Our athletes, and all of the winners and finalists show that disability is no barrier. We’re very proud of Graeme, Grant, Hamish, and our LA2015 basketball team for their amazing attitudes and accomplishments.”

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