Attitude wants more Robbies

Media Release: July 9 2010

Attitude wants more Robbies

After winning the Attitude Supreme Award, some might think Robbie Francis has ticked off most of her bucket list. But inspired by her win, it is more a matter of what’s next.

Robbie is already a youth advocate, overseas volunteer and recent university graduate. But 2010 might be her most challenging year yet. She is off to Israel in September to use a Rotary scholarship to study “Peace and Conflict Resolution” at Tel-Aviv University for one year.

She has also decided to try out for the Parafed Sailing team in the hopes to compete in the 2012 Paralympics in London.

Robbie (21) has phocomelia syndrome, which means she was born without several bones in her legs and now wears a prosthetic limb.

Robbie’s Dad, Ken Francis says the Attitude Awards have really raised the bar for Robbie, who also won the Attitude Youth Award last year.

“It was great to see Robbie get some recognition for her achievements and it has given her the confidence to do even more,” says Ken.

Inspired by Attitude TV (TV One 8:30am Sundays), The Attitude Awards Charitable Trust is now looking for more outstanding people like Robbie. Entries have opened for the third annual Attitude Awards and are open until September 3 with finalists selected soon after.

There are seven categories in the awards, including sport, courage in sport, artistic achievement, youth, spirit of attitude and employer. One of the category winners will also be chosen to receive the Attitude ACC Supreme Award.

Entrants will range from supreme NZ athletes to Kiwis who family, friends and neighbours think should be recognised for their courage, perseverance or support for people who live with disabilities.

Nomination forms can be downloaded from the www.attitudepictures.com website.

Attitude presenter Curtis Palmer says for the third year running New Zealanders are likely to be in awe of the achievements of the disability community at the up and coming Attitude Awards.

“Last year’s finalists showed that the challenges they rise to are just part of everyday life. Their efforts make life better for us all yet are often not recognised. This year we will uncover even more unsung heroes, sports stars, critically acclaimed artists, supportive employers and extraordinary youth. All of these people are living ordinary lives but strive for greater acceptance,” says Curtis.

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

“We are privileged to be sponsoring these awards and it is always wonderful to see what our winners achieve with limitless imagination, positive attitude and the opportunities available to them,” says Dr White.

“We are confident our winners will go on to inspire organisations and individuals to change their attitudes towards people with disabilities.”

The Lion Foundation has returned to support the awards too. The Foundation’s CEO Phil Holden says the Attitude Awards recognise the strength of character of individuals who have already made great progress on their personal journeys.

“The Foundation’s role is to strive to make a difference and to help Kiwis achieve great things in the community,” Mr Holden says. “The Attitude Awards recognise individuals who are doing just that and we are privileged to be able to support them and these awards.”

Air New Zealand, Wayne Francis Charitable Trust and Drake Medox have also committed to supporting the awards.

The winners in each category will be announced at a black tie event at Eden Park’s ASB Lounge in Auckland on December 1.

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