Locals honoured with William Keown Trust awards

The unique awards for personal achievement recognise the accomplishment and courage shown by children and adults with disabilities.

They were presented by the Trust President Kate Smith and local entertainer Gene Fitzpatrick.

Local winners were Jackie McBride from Dundrod, who received an Adult Achievement Certificate; Peter McCord from Lisburn, who received an Adult Achievement Certificate; Marie McStay from Lisburn, who was presented with the Christopher McCollum Memorial Award and Oliver Magee from Ballinderry, who received the Lilliput Cup.

Jackie McBride is involved in many projects and is fully committed to the Lisburn 2gether Special Olympics Club, helping out in all fundraising events and always one of the first athletes to sign up for competitions. He represented his country at the Special Olympic World Games in Athens in 2011, where he won a gold medal.

Despite facing many challenges in his life, Peter McCord now lives independently. He works as a porter in Lagan Valley Hospital and represented his country in 5-a-side football at the Special Olympic World Games in Athens in 2011 and is the proud owner of a gold medal. Peter is also a great fundraiser for Lisburn 2tgether.

Having worked as a ward sister in Thompson House, Lisburn for 22 years, since her retirement 12 years ago Marie McStay has been a committed volunteer engaging in social activities to support people aged from 18-65 years with brain injuries. Marie was awarded an MBE in recognition of her commitment to Thompson House over many years.

Ballinderry teenager Oliver Magee is a very talented bocce player. He loves being involved in sport and has overcome many challenges and his family and Lisburn 2gether Club are extremely proud to see him progress through the Special Olympics. Oliver’s family were bursting with pride to see him win gold at the World Games in Athens last year.

The William Keown Trust, an independent registered charity, was set up to recognise the personal achievements of people with disabilities and create community awareness that disability does not mean inability.

The Trust Chairman David Hanna MBE was delighted to welcome over 230 guests to the awards ceremony.

Bill Keown, Trust Chief Executive and Founder had a special message and word of encouragement for the guests which included award nominees, their families and friends, Mayors and chairpersons from a number of councils and members of the community who made the original nominations.

Mr Keown informed guests that the Trust had developed a high profile within the disability community and is respected for its work in educating the public of the potential of people with disabilities and for providing advice to ensure that access to all activities is afforded to those whose mobility is impaired.

The framing of the certificates and the engraving of the shields, trophies and cups were carried out by previous award recipients; Jim Corbett of Banbridge and Eric Lyons of Ironside Trophies Lisburn.