Project Description

In Australia there were many awards that recognised the achievements of young people except the children with “special needs”.

The Southern Cross Leo Club hold a Lions ‘Children of Courage Awards’ ceremony every two years and it has grown to be one of the most important annual events in the Leo’s calendar.

It is definitely not a competition!  Every recipient of an award is a “winner” in his or her own right, as it is hoped that the recognition of these young people’s achievements will act as an encouragement for their future, help them to believe in themselves and help to increase their self-worth

All children want to be accepted by others, regardless of any special needs they may have. These awards portray them as children who have successfully overcome additional barriers which face them in this world.

The children who are to receive an award, together with members of their nominating Club and their families, are invited to attend a presentation. As each child is called forward for the presentation, a Leo Club member reads a short summary of the reasons for the presentation. The recipient of the award then receives a plaque detailing the category under which the award is made and a medal.