Children Of CourageIn 1984 a senior Lion in Western Australia, PDG Joe Mason, conceived the idea of making awards to disadvantaged children in a program that was to become known as "Children of Courage". Our clubs have consistently supported this programe. The Children of Courage Awards are now established as an important and extremely worthwhile annual project of Lions Clubs International in Western Australia. The programme was introduced in 1983 by District Governor Joe Mason to provide for an awards programme through which Lions Clubs in Western Australia could recognise a very special group of young Western Australians and their families. At that time, there were many awards that recognised the achievements of young people, but children with "special needs" appeared were not catered for. What are the Children of Courage Awards? The Children of Courage Awards are not a competition. Every recipient of an award is a "Winner" in his or her own right as the recognition of these young peoples' achievements will: · act as an encouragement for their future · help them to believe in themselves, and · Help increase their self-esteem. All children just want to be accepted by others, regardless of any special needs they may have. These awards will portray them as children who have successfully overcome additional barriers, which face them in this world. Each year, on a Sunday in April, the children who are to receive their award, together with members of their nominating club and their families, gather at a nominated venue for the presentation. As each child is called forward for the presentation, a short summary of the reasons for the presentation and eligibility for the award is read out. The recipient of the award then receives a handsome plaque detailing the category under which the award is made. Categories of the Award - Special Needs
Children with special needs who have shown courage in the face of adversity. Such children include those who are confined to wheelchairs, who are sight, hearing or speech impaired, who have undergone long periods of medical treatment, surgery or hospitalisation which has brought pain or trauma to their lives. Nominees in this category will be children who have strived to overcome these obstacles and to improve the quality of their lives. - Courageous Act or Deed
Children who, without regard for personal safety, have been instrumental in the preservation of life and/or property, who have rendered assistance in an accident, or whose concern for others is worthy of recognition. - Outstanding Sporting Achievements
Children who have overcome personal hardship and/or disadvantage to achieve a high degree of sporting prowess, either individually, or as a good team member.
Nominations In every community there is certain to be a worthy nominee for a Lions Children of Courage Award. Please locate and support a child in your community for this very worthwhile project. Nominations for the award are forwarded to the Award committee through the local Lions Clubs and are restricted to children between the ages of five and fifteen years. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT MARCIA NICHOLS or down load the ENTRY FORM HERE | 
