2008 John McLaren Award recipients

• Michael Clarke, 13 years old, from Rangiora. Michael was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was just over four years old. He is an avid BMX racer. He was placed sixteenth in his age group at the New Zealand National championships in March this year. His winnings will go towards the next size up BMX racing bike and accommodation costs for the two major New Zealand  competitions  in 2009. Michael says "I feel I have much more Bmxing in me and I want to continue to race and continue to improve my rankings."

• Samantha Darby – 15 years old, from Rangitoto College, Auckland, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes four years ago. She made a huge contribution to her college life, both in musical accomplishments as a saxophone player and with sporting achievements in badminton. She intends to use the winnings to go towards travel expenses for attending the North Island Team and Age Group Badminton Championships. This is a six day event where badminton and individuals from around the North Island travel to Palmerston North to play against each other.  Any funds left over will be going towards purchasing a computer and software to record and produce music.

• Sophie Devine – 18 years old, from Christchurch, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes three years ago. She will use the funding to go towards participating in the upcoming Cricket World Cup and the Junior Hockey World Cup.  This funding will enable her to focus on training instead of full time employment during her university holidays.

• Zoe Sole, 17 years old, from Wellington, attends Samuel Marsden College. Zoe was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes eight years ago. Zoe is passionate about netball. She will be using this money towards not only her Otago University tuition costs but also her accommodation and travel costs between Wellington and Dunedin next year.

Our four 2008 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.