Palmerston North couple win National Attitude Award

Palmerston North couple Lyn and Mike Ryan, along with their family, have won the Attitude Community Section of TV One’s Inaugural Attitude Awards, held on December 3.

The Attitude Awards seek to honour the outstanding achievements of ordinary New Zealanders living with and working with those with disabilities – men and women who have excelled in business, sport and life.

Mike is the National Coaching and Sport Director of Special Olympics and both Lyn and Mike have been involved with Parent 2 Parent and Special Olympics from the early establishment of these organisations in New Zealand. Lyn has been a coordinator for Parent 2 Parent Manawatu, while Mike was on the National board for a number of years, serving a time as National President.

“These two are leaders in providing community activities that positively support the needs of families who have a member with a disability,” says Ben Valentine from Sport Manawatu.

Three of their children participate in Special Olympics, where they actively compete in a number of sports, including representing New Zealand at international events.

Mike currently works for Special Olympics New Zealand as the National Coaching and Sporting director. Over the years Mike has led the way in providing new programmes, promoting new sports activities, managing events, supporting volunteers, athletes and more. However the volunteer hours both Lyn and Mike give Special Olympics often out weigh the paid hours.

“Their passion at proving a meaningful life for people with intellectual and physical challenging abilities is extraordinary,’ says Helen Johnson, of Manawatu Special Olympics.

This is Mike’s second award, in as many months, in November he was named Administrator of the year at the Manawatu Sportsperson of the Year awards, held by Sport Manawatu.

“They are leading role models for many parents, coaches, volunteers, families, service users and providers, educators, health professionals, employers and sporting organisations” says Helen.