Diabetes Youth New Zealand
Diabetes Youth Awards
John McLaren Award for Excellence
The John McLaren Award for Excellence is a joint venture between Diabetes Youth New Zealand and Diabetes New Zealand from a bequest from John McLaren to be used for the youth of New Zealand with diabetes.
There are four achievers annually: each receiving a one-off amount of $1,000.
John McLaren Award for Excellence 2010 application form (PDF, 80KB)
2009 John McLaren Youth Award Recipients
There were many impressive applications for the John McLaren Youth Award, an annual award for achievement to young people with diabetes.
The Award aims to show that young people with diabetes can do great things in their work and achievements. The winners are inspirational to others with diabetes.
The John McLaren Youth Award recognises the pursuit of excellence in the cultural, academic and sporting fields by young people with diabetes. Diabetes Youth New Zealand and Diabetes New Zealand are pleased to announce the 2008 recipients this year’s winners of the $ 1,000 Award:
Jordan Moore
15 years old, from KaiapoiJordan already has an impressive list of dancing successes despite only dancing for 3 years. He was named Best Male Dancer in 2007 and his dance crew Legionnaire won the South Island Street Dance Champs in March 2009. Jordan’s award helped fund a trip in October and will also help towards his tuition and some new dance clothes. Jordan has had Type 1 diabetes for 4 ½ years and is a fine example of how you can overcome any challenges that diabetes brings and be successful.
Erin Saunders
20 years old, from ChristchurchErin Saunders is from Christchurch and has been Irish Dancing for a number of years. Her award will be used to travel to the NZ Irish Dancing Championships in Auckland with her ultimate dream being to compete in Killarney, Ireland. Erin was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2005. She works incredibly hard saving for her trips as well as funding the cost of replacement dance outfits which can cost $2-3000. She still finds time to assist Diabetes Youth Canterbury as a role model for newly diagnosed teenagers.
Kyra Thomson
13 years old, from WellingtonKyra Thomson will use her award to help with all the costs involved in Rollersports and her goal of being selected to represent New Zealand for the Oceania’s in 2010. Kyra is currently the New Zealand Champion in Elementary Free Skating, Solo Dance and Creative Solo Dance. She was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2006.
Thomas Wooding
14 years old, from ChristchurchKeen yachtsman Thomas used his award to attend Yachting New Zealand’s National Championships in January. There were travel and coaching costs involved as well as the purchase of a new sail and a wet suit that will enable him to do his insulin shots while on the water. Thomas impressed the judges with his list of sailing accomplishments to date. He has been sailing since he was 9 years old and was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes 2 years ago. Thomas’s goal is to be selected for the World Championships.
Our four 2009 winners are outstanding and were selected based on their goals and achievements. These young people with diabetes are inspiring others to realise that diabetes should not stop anyone succeeding or pursuing their dreams or goals.
2008 Winners of the John McLaren Youth Award
$1,000 awards went to
Michael Clarke from Rangiora and
Sophie Devine from Christchurch.
$500 Awards went to
Samantha Darby from Rangitoto College, Auckland and
Zoe Sole from Wellington.
2007 Winners of the John McLaren Youth Award
$1,000 awards went to
Simon Millynn and
Alexandra Wood
$500 Awards went to
Anna Hoek-Sims and
Kurtis Tautuhi
2006 Winners of the John McLaren Youth Award
$1,000 awards went to
Jordy Jamieson from Auckland and
Vicki Connor from Auckland.
$500 Awards went to
Christopher Duff from Levin and
Daniel Harvey from Manukau.
2005 Winners of the John McLaren Youth Award
$1,000 awards went to
Shane Simpson from Orewa and
Amy Adams from Hamilton.
$500 Awards went to
Joshua Notman from Wellington and
Catherine de Vos from Auckland.