DANZ2014 Attitude Awards
A line up with attitude as award candidates announced including Lyn Cotton, Jolt Dance
From talented artists and innovative businesses to courageous sportspeople, the finalists for this year’s Attitude Awards, voted by the New Zealand public, have been chosen – and includes Christchurch based Lyn Cotton, Artistic Director of Jolt Dance Company.
Lyn founded the mixed ability dance company with Fleur de Thier with the aim of producing work that celebrated diversity and challenged perceptions about dance and disability. It's youth company, Jolt Youth was established in 2007.
Together Jolt Dance and Jolt Youth have created 10 major shows (including sell-out seasons in the Christchurch Body Festival) conferences, performances and special works for the Halberg Trust and Special Olympics. Jolt Interactive was established in 2012. Funded by Creative New Zealand, its vision is to create innovative works for a diverse audience.
Lyn has been named one of three finalists in the Making a Difference Award. There are eight categories in the Attitude Awards: Sport Performer of the Year, Courage in Sport, Artistic Achievement, Youth, Spirit of Attitude, Attitude ACC Employer Award, Making a Difference Award and the inaugural Attitude Junior Award, for an achiever under 15 years of age. The overall winner of the Attitude ACC Supreme Award is selected from the category winners.
The national Attitude Awards, now in its seventh year, celebrate excellence and achievements of disabled Kiwis. The finalists will announced at a televised black-tie gala on World Disability Day, December 3 at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre.
Attitude Awards Trustee Dan Buckingham, a member of the elite national wheelchair rugby team the Wheel Blacks, says the awards is not just about handing out medals and prizes, it’s about changing the way people view what is achievable with a disability.
“We are proud to announce the final line up for our event, which showcases the lives and potential of people with disabilities,” he says. “A huge amount of gratitude goes out to our sponsors and supporters who continue to commit to making the Attitude Awards a night to remember.”
Robyn Hunt, winner of the Attitude ACC Supreme Award in 2013, says she was humbled to be recognised by the people in her community. “I like that the awards highlight people who’ve helped improve the lives of others,” says Robyn. “It’s important that people with disabilities work together to make change and the awards is a great example of this.”
The Attitude Awards are inspired by the positive stories shown weekly on TV One’s “Attitude” programme, which screens at 8:30am on Sundays.
For all the latest on the Awards and the Attitude Programme:
For more information contact:
Sue Wales-Earl
Project Manager
The Attitude Awards 2014
P: 09 309 4015
M: 021 035 5530
E: sue@attitudeawards.org