Post by kokonutwoman on Sept 12, 2008 9:51:24 GMT 12
Nothing can stop these three
By BRITTON BROUN - The Dominion Post | Friday, 12 September 2008
ACHIEVERS: Frances Clarke Memorial Award winners, to recognise achievement among Down syndrome children, Danyon McFlinn-Parker, Ezra Keegan-Collins and Ezra Akeimo at Government House.
Ezra Keegan-Collins was unable to speak as a child but a desire to live a normal life has turned him into a motormouth and star of his school's speech competitions.
The plucky 14-year-old from Papakowhai School, north of Wellington, was one of three children to receive the annual Frances Clarke Memorial Award at Government House this week.
The award recognises special achievement among Down syndrome children.
As a child, Ezra lost his father and had to undergo several heart, stomach and lung operations. He had to use sign language, and began forming spoken words only at the age of four.
But with a commitment to building his vocal muscles he now stuns school audiences with eloquent and impassioned speeches.
"I can think properly, reflect, and do things for myself. I might have Down syndrome but I'm a normal person. It never stops me from doing anything," he said.
Ezra has a newspaper round and has helped to unpack stock at Kirkcaldie & Stains to raise money for children in Vietnam.
He plays basketball and netball and is about to take up tennis. And though Down syndrome children are not supposed to play rugby, he has not been able to resist taking part in his favourite game.
Ezra said the high point of the awards ceremony was meeting and getting a signed rugby ball from former All Black Andy Leslie.
He was nominated for the award by his teacher and classmates, who described him as "a guy who would never give up".
The two other winners - Danyon McFlinn-Parker, 10, from Upper Hutt Primary School, and Ezra Akeimo, 10, from Maraeroa School in Porirua - are also keen sportsmen.
A spokeswoman for Wellington Down Syndrome Association, Kate Young, said the award bolstered the morale of children and parents, who often had difficulties.
"What it shows is being Down syndrome doesn't limit you at all. It may take them a bit longer, but they can achieve whatever they set their goals to be."
By BRITTON BROUN - The Dominion Post | Friday, 12 September 2008
ACHIEVERS: Frances Clarke Memorial Award winners, to recognise achievement among Down syndrome children, Danyon McFlinn-Parker, Ezra Keegan-Collins and Ezra Akeimo at Government House.
Ezra Keegan-Collins was unable to speak as a child but a desire to live a normal life has turned him into a motormouth and star of his school's speech competitions.
The plucky 14-year-old from Papakowhai School, north of Wellington, was one of three children to receive the annual Frances Clarke Memorial Award at Government House this week.
The award recognises special achievement among Down syndrome children.
As a child, Ezra lost his father and had to undergo several heart, stomach and lung operations. He had to use sign language, and began forming spoken words only at the age of four.
But with a commitment to building his vocal muscles he now stuns school audiences with eloquent and impassioned speeches.
"I can think properly, reflect, and do things for myself. I might have Down syndrome but I'm a normal person. It never stops me from doing anything," he said.
Ezra has a newspaper round and has helped to unpack stock at Kirkcaldie & Stains to raise money for children in Vietnam.
He plays basketball and netball and is about to take up tennis. And though Down syndrome children are not supposed to play rugby, he has not been able to resist taking part in his favourite game.
Ezra said the high point of the awards ceremony was meeting and getting a signed rugby ball from former All Black Andy Leslie.
He was nominated for the award by his teacher and classmates, who described him as "a guy who would never give up".
The two other winners - Danyon McFlinn-Parker, 10, from Upper Hutt Primary School, and Ezra Akeimo, 10, from Maraeroa School in Porirua - are also keen sportsmen.
A spokeswoman for Wellington Down Syndrome Association, Kate Young, said the award bolstered the morale of children and parents, who often had difficulties.
"What it shows is being Down syndrome doesn't limit you at all. It may take them a bit longer, but they can achieve whatever they set their goals to be."