Inspirational Kiwis Finalists for Attitude Awards

Media release: October 14 2009

Twenty one New Zealanders who live their lives with some form of disability will have a big night out at Eden Park in December as finalists in the “Attitude Awards”.

The inaugural black tie event wowed 350 guests last year with a fashion parade presenting models who have a disability.

This year’s finalists include Paralympians like Paula Tesoriero, who won gold in cycling at Beijing, and skier Adam Hall – ranked number two in the world and who is going to the Winter Paralympics next year. Several young Kiwis have been singled out based on their success and courage in striving to overcome life challenges and prejudice.

There are nine categories in the awards, including sport, courage in sport, community, artistic achievement, youth, spirit of attitude, employer, person of the year and the Attitude Hall of Fame.

The Attitude Awards have grown from the television series “Attitude”, which screens throughout the year on TV One at 8.30am on Sundays. The winners will be announced at Eden Park’s ASB Lounge in Auckland on December 3, coinciding with World Disability Day.

Attitude TV associate producer and presenter Curtis Palmer says the awards are a celebration of the achievements of people living with disabilities – people often overlooked by society, who have long been used to just getting on with life.

“Their stories serve to inspire the rest of New Zealand,” Curtis says. “Our sponsors share the vision that saw these awards created. It took only one call and all our sponsors from the inaugural awards last year were back on board and two more stepped up to help.

“Last year some of the corporates had their eyes opened. Our awards might is about ability,not disability. Employment is a big issue in the disability sector and I feel as if we changed a few perceptions about disability that night. The ACC Employer category aims to show that employing someone with a disability is no big deal. In fact it can be beneficial.”

Dr Jan White, ACC Chief Executive, says ACC is proud to return as a principal sponsor of the Attitude Awards.

“ACC wants to acknowledge people who have shown resolve to return to work and the businesses that have helped make that possible,” Dr White says. “The benefits of returning to work after an injury are well proven, improving almost all aspects of the person’s life, and these awards showcase people and organisations who understand that.”

The Lion Foundation has returned to support the awards too. Chief Executive, Phil Holden says the foundation is focused on giving back to local communities through projects and causes that make a real difference.

“We are thrilled to again support the Attitude Awards and extend our warmest congratulations to all finalists,” Mr Holden says.

Southern Cross Healthcare, Air New Zealand, Invacare, Westpac, Wayne Francis Charitable Trust, Perry Foundation and Drake Medox have also committed to supporting the awards.

ENDS

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