Yesterday afternoon at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association’s National Achievement Awards – recognising the achievements of three outstanding New Zealanders with Down syndrome, presenting the Val Sturgess National Volunteer Award, and inducting new members into STRIVE, a leadership and advisory group for people with Down syndrome.
Dame Cindy spoke of her deep admiration for those being recognised in her speech: ‘I am so impressed, not only by what you’ve each achieved as athletes and in your professional lives, doing what you love – but also for your desire to lift others up through your example, and for your relentlessly positive attitude to whatever obstacles come before you.’ Very warmest congratulations to all acknowledged in yesterday’s very special ceremony.
You can read Dame Cindy's speech at Her Excellency's speech for the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association National Achievement Awards and find more images in the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association National Achievement Awards image gallery.