Published: Thursday, 23rd June 2016
The contributions of a group of outstanding individuals and organisations in west Norfolk were recognised at an awards ceremony at King's Lynn town hall on 22 June 2016.
The Opportunity Awards celebrate people and groups who have demonstrated imagination and commitment in ensuring equality for people with disabilities, and people who have overcome the challenges that a disability can present with courage and determination.
Cllr David Whitby, Mayor of King's Lynn & West Norfolk, presented the awards and said: "I am delighted to have been able to present these awards on behalf of the council's Disability Forum and would like to thank the committee and staff for their hard work in making this event possible.
"It is great to be able to say a big thank you to all those who have helped make life easier for people with disabilities. Thank you to everyone who took the time to make a nomination and congratulations to all the entries and especially our winners."
Cllr Sam Sandell, borough councillor and member of the West Norfolk Disability Forum, hosted the award ceremony and said: "These awards are an opportunity for people and groups to celebrate. They have shown imagination and commitment in ensuring equality for people with disabilities and for people who have overcome the challenges that a disability can present with courage and determination."
The categories and winners were:
Voluntary Organisations
Gold: Sing Your Heart Out West
Silver: Phobbies
Bronze: King's Lynn & District Guide Dogs
Service Provider
Gold: Your Local Paper
Silver: Forward Day Centre
Bronze: Debbie Overland
Employer
Gold: The Willow Tree
Silver: WNDiS
Charity work
Gold: Kathy Warner
Silver: Gil Smith
Volunteering
Gold: Donna Nice
Silver: Debbie Clark
Bronze: John Todd
Helping others
Gold: Jonathan Toye
Silver: Debbie Overland
Bronze: Kathy Warner
Mayor's award
Joint winners: John Todd and Debbie Clark
Each bronze and silver award winner received a certificate; each gold award winner received a cheque for £25, and the winners of the Mayor's Award received a certificate, a cheque and a trophy.