Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have nominated Martin Taupau for the 2020 Ken Stephen Medal.
One of the game’s most prestigious awards, Martin was nominated for his exceptional commitment to the Samoa Measles Christmas Relief project.
In October 2019, the Samoan Ministry of Health declared a measles outbreak with 87% of deaths reported as children under the age of five - a mortality rate of approximately 25 deaths per 10 000 people in this age group.
A strong Pasifika role model, Martin has inspired many young kids to work hard and follow their dreams through his community work and commitment to education.
Martin Taupau Samoa
Martin led a campaign and used his high profile and network to help raise awareness of the outbreak and also provide support to those impacted. Due to the awareness created, 58,000 successful immunisations have now been administered.
He also called on the community to donate Christmas presents which would be distributed to families in Samoa who had been either directly or indirectly affected by the epidemic.
Through this, a staggering 92 large boxes of gifts and donations were received and distributed to more than 100 grieving or struggling families.
During his trip to Samoa, Martin visited and sat with 12 families who had lost children in this epidemic. He also visited the major hospital and the Intensive Care Unit where he delivered toys to every sick child and gifts to their parents.
Voting is now open for the Ken Stephen Medal and closes on Sunday, September 20. Vote for Martin here
This year, fans can cast their vote for the Ken Stephen Medal nominee that they would like to see as one of four finalists. Three of the four finalists will be voted by a panel of judges (including inaugural Ken Stephen Medallist and Australian Rugby League Commissioner, Wayne Pearce) and one finalist will be selected by fans.
