Wellington Down Syndrome Association member Xervier Doney has been recognised with two awards at the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association's National Achievement Awards, held at Government House in Wellington on 23 October 2026.
Xervier received both a National Achievement Award and the Frances Clarke Memorial Award, recognising his outstanding sporting achievements and contributions to his community.
And at just 19 years old, Xervier has already achieved more than most people manage in a lifetime!
A world champion on the water
In March 2025, Xervier competed at the Para Sailing World Championships in Sydney, taking first place in the one-person championship for athletes with intellectual impairments and first place in the two-person championship alongside his father, Paul Doney.
His sailing achievements have also earned him the Disabled Sportsperson of the Year title at the 2025 Wellington Regional Sports Awards and a Youth Performance Award at the Yachting New Zealand Excellence Awards.
But Xervier's talents extend well beyond sailing.
He has competed in international video dressage and equestrian events at the Special Olympics National Summer Games, earned his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, completed an Outward Bound programme and obtained his learner driver licence.
He is also an award-winning photographer, having received a Youth Award in the IHC Capture the Moment photography competition.
Giving back to his community
Alongside his sporting and personal achievements, Xervier is a dedicated volunteer.
He regularly gives his time to Sailability Wellington, Hutt Valley Riding for the Disabled and Wellington Zoo, supporting organisations and activities that are important to him.
His achievements are impressive in their own right, but his commitment to contributing to his community makes this recognition particularly special.
Celebrating our community
The awards ceremony also recognised fellow National Achievement Award recipients Laetitia Tan and Lily Mae Ivatt-Oakley, Karen Tucker, who received the National Volunteer Award, and Linda te Kaat, who was made a Life Member of the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association.
WDSA congratulates all the recipients on their well-deserved recognition.
And to Xervier, congratulations on your two awards! We're incredibly proud of you!
Read the full story from The Governor-General here - https://gg.govt.nz/governor-general/blog/2026/10/new-zealand-down-syndrome-association-2026-national-achievement-awards
