Frances Clarke Memorial Awards 2007

Greetings and Kia Ora.

May I specifically acknowledge: Kate Young, Erica Young and Charlotte Gendall from the Wellington Down Syndrome Association; Members of the Association; Duane Kale, four time paralympic gold medallist and our guest speaker today; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen; Boys and Girls.

On behalf of myself and my wife Susan, it is a pleasure to welcome you to Government House in Wellington for the presentation of the Frances Clarke Awards for 2007.

This is the second time I have presented these awards since I was appointed as Governor-General in August last year and I have been looking forward to meeting members of the Wellington Down Syndrome Association again.

I would also like to make a special welcome to new members of the Association.  For some of you, this may be your first association event.  I am sure you will make new friends, share your experiences and enjoy the day.

This is a very important day, particularly for the young people who will receive awards.  You have all done well to get here today, your hard work and your achievement is today being recognised.  My warmest congratulations to you all.

But I also want to express my thanks to the friends and whanau of those receiving awards today. You have worked just as hard and your support clearly has been outstanding.

I would also like to congratulate the Wellington Down Syndrome Association.  Your work of representing and supporting people with Down Syndrome and their families is to be commended.

While the awards acknowledge the achievements of people with Down Syndrome, they honour all those who have contributed.  They also provide an opportunity to draw the wider community's attention to the very worthwhile achievements and contributions of people with Down Syndrome.

I will now hand over to our MC, Charlotte Gendall.  But before I do so, again welcome and I hope you will be able to join me for morning tea after the ceremony.  I very much hope you will enjoy the morning.

I will now close in Maori, issuing greetings and wishing your fortitude and good health in your endeavours.  No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tena koutou katoa