The Master Wheelwright's Award

This award was established by the Company as a high profile award that may be granted to an individual or team of individuals who meet the following criteria:

• being wheelchair users have attained pre-eminence in their field of endeavour and made a significant
  contribution to society, or who

• have excelled in a wheeled sport including but not limited to motor racing, motorcycle racing, cycle
  racing, carriage driving or the attainment of land speed record, or

• have made a significant contribution to the development or provision of mobility or access for disabled
  people utilising the wheel or other technical advancements in the UK or overseas, or

• are involved in industries, which use or rely upon the wheel and have achieved technological advances
  in design and manufacture of wheels or tyres or otherwise have shown innovation and commitment to
  the provision of mobility or access for disabled people.

Although nominated candidates are reviewed annually by the Master and his committee, due to the demanding criteria, the award may not be necessarily awarded on an annual basis.

The 2008 recipient of the award was Deng Pufang, Chairman of China Disabled Persons’ Federation, born in 1944, was admitted in 1962 by Peking University - the most prestigious university in China, where he was determined to dedicate himself to be a physicist. In 1968, the political catastrophe of "Cultural Revolution" made him paraplegic. The high rises and deep falls of the destiny forged his determination to diligently pursue the humanitarian courses.

He established China Disabled Persons' Federation and devoted himself to the challenging endeavor of creating new life for disabled persons. He received the titles and awards such as the “United Nations Human Rights Prize”, "United Nations Peace Messenger", "Special Award of Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons", "Lions Clubs International Award" and "Paul Harris Award of Rotary International"...

He was elected Vice Chairman of the 11th National Committee of Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) on March 13, 2008.
He is also Executive President of Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG), Chairman of China Foundation for People with Disabilities.

Due to his wideranging responsibilities Mr Deng was unable to travel to London for the award presentation by the Master, Kenneth M. Davidson Esq. at the Mansion House, in the presence of The Rt. Hon The Lord Mayor, Alderman David Lewis.  The award was however, accepted on his behalf by Mr Zhang Lirong the Minister-Councellor at the Chinese Embassy in London.

This Award has also been presented to the following in previous years to mark their achievements: