Cowra’s Dr Warren Whiley Memorial Award for Arts, Culture and Citizenship recipient is wrestler James Lanham.
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James is the driving force behind ‘Western Warfare’ professional wrestling and supports the community by offering fundraising opportunities to groups like Riding for the Disabled.
What is most outstanding about James and ‘Western Warfare’ is the engagement with the audience members, especially people with disabilities.
Accepting his award, Mr Lanham described the award as “an incredible honour”.
“The nomination came as a total surprise.
“While I concede wrestling may be a little left of centre, those who have attended I am sure will be able to attest that the shows are art in its purest sense.”
Mr Lanham said the events bring together a talented and like minded performers from a diverse background to put on an intensely physical performance that takes audiences on a roller coaster ride.
“While it is true that our shows are entertainment, make no mistake about it we pay a real price for our art.
“Some would question why I do it, the answer is simple, I do it for the people, there is no rush like stepping out from the curtain and nothing more satisfying than holding up a newly won belt in front of a home crowd.”
Acknowledging support from a big team Mr Lanham said his award is “for everyone who has supported me on this journey”.
“To the person who nominated me, thank you.
“Thanks must also go to Cowra Council for their support which has made Western Warfare events sustainable.
“No town gets behind events like Cowra gets behind them.”
Mr Lanham also thanked Cowra Special Needs and Cowra Riding for Disabled for their support of his events.
A final thank you was given to his family, mother Christine, father David, brother Richard and his grandmother Grace and his late grandfather who encouraged him to pursue wrestling.
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