Sunday, 29 March 2009

NZ World Down Syndrome Day Awards

New Zealanders have adopted the tea party as a means of marking World Down Syndrome Day in local communities. The Manawatu Standard reports, with a photo of the National Achievement Awards presented in Palmerston North:

National awards were presented to figure skater Ben Southern, author Rosemary Mountfort and swimmer Fiona Strong at Caccia Birch.

Ms Mountfort, from Napier, wrote a book about her life, My Life as I Remember It.
Mr Southern, from Christchurch, was selected to represent New Zealand for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games.


Ms Strong, from South Auckland, won three gold medals at a Special Olympics regional competition in October.

Associate Minister of Disability Issues Tariana Turia said people with Down Syndrome needed to be seen as who they were - authors, swimming champions and neighbours.

Click here for the report and photo.

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