Cameron receives MNZM honour

Cameron Leslie, Whangarei swimming gold medallist winner at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing has received recognition for his outstanding achievements by being made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to swimming in the New Year’s Honours list.

Cameron is said to have been disappointed at not receiving recognition for his achievements at the Northland Sport Awards held recently stating, “It seems that someone can achieve gold at the highest level that someone with a disability can achieve and yet that’s still not good enough for a major award”.

In receiving his MNZM, the Order given “for those persons who in any field of endeavour, have rendered meritorious service to the Crown and nation or who have become distinguished by their eminence, talents, contributions or other merits”, he has received the recognition he deserves. 

Cameron also recently won the sportsman category at the inaugural Attitude Awards developed by Attitude TV to honour the outstanding achievements of New Zealanders living with disabilities. 

Though Cameron is thrilled to have received these accolades saying “I would never have imagined having a year like this”, for him, they do not seem to eclipse his winning gold in Beijing.

It was really great to read that Sophie Pascoe was also made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to swimming along with Wendy Grace Neilson JP for services to people with disabilities. 

Photo courtesy of the Northern Advocate.