Children of Courage Awards

Written by Elizabeth Alcock

The "motto" for the Lions Children of Courage Awards is: Aiming for the Stars

The Lions Children of Courage Awards were first initiated in 1983 in Western Australia by the then District Governor Joe Mason.

 The purpose was to recognise a very special group of young Western Australians and their families. At the time there were many awards that recognised the achievements of young people, however, children with "special needs" were not catered for. These awards are especially designed to recognise the courage and bravery shown by these children.

What are the Lions Children of Courage Awards

This is a wonderful Lions project which recognises children between the ages of 5 and 15 years of age for their courage, tenacity and their desire to overcome adversity and to be the best they can be.

Children are nominated by various social or sporting clubs, community groups and various service clubs.

Every child nominated receives the award. It is not a competition.

It is hoped that by receiving the award it will:

1. Act as an encouragement for their future
2. Help them believe in themselves
3. Help increase their self-worth

The family also benefits from the award, sharing in their pride and the recognition of how these children have overcome the many hardships that they face on a day to day basis.

There are four (4) categories for which a child may be nominated and they are…

Special needs…

Children with special needs i.e. sight, hearing, speech impairments, wheelchair bound or have had long periods of hospitalisation or medical treatments. Nominees for this category will be those children who have attempted to overcome these obstacles and who have striven to improve the quality of their lives.

Courageous act or deed…

Children who have shown great concern for others, aided at an accident, assisted with the preservation of life or property. This category may also include children who have undergone lifesaving surgery, or undergone daily medical treatments i.e. diabetes. A child who acts as a carer for a parent may be recognised under this category

Sibling’s recognition award…

This category is for siblings who actively participate in the daily care of their brother or sister who has a ‘special need’.

Inspiring sporting achievement…

Children who have overcome great personal hardship/disadvantage to compete as an individual or team member in their chosen sport.

These award ceremonies are hosted by local Lions and Lioness Clubs of District 201Q3 throughout South East Queensland at various times of the year. We are very proud to support this wonderful program with over 100 children per year being recognised as:

LIONS CHILDREN OF COURAGE

Please contact our District Chairman,

Lioness Liz Alcock - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it