During his show, Laws said it was "crazy" that disabled sports people were able to compete for the Halberg Awards as he stated: "If you have had your legs chopped off, you shouldn't be in there at all."

Laws was also critical of Paralympian slalom skier Adam Hall, who got up and won a gold medal after dramatically falling over at the Vancouver Paralympics last year.

"The fact the guy was able to fall down, get up again and still win, shows that really there wasn't a hell of a lot of competition in his field, was there?" he said.

Laws has described the story as "a Herald on Sunday beat-up" while adding: "People have reacted to the beat-up and not the Radio Live show which contained excellent discussion on the Halberg Awards."

On his Facebook page, Laws added: "I didn't attack disabled/IHC athletes.

"I said it was ludicrous they were up for (the) SAME awards as able bodied."

During his show, Laws said it was "crazy" that disabled sports people were able to compete for the Halberg Awards as he stated: "If you have had your legs chopped off, you shouldn't be in there at all."

Laws was also critical of Paralympian slalom skier Adam Hall, who got up and won a gold medal after dramatically falling over at the Vancouver Paralympics last year.

"The fact the guy was able to fall down, get up again and still win, shows that really there wasn't a hell of a lot of competition in his field, was there?" he said.

IPC President Sir Philip slammed Laws for the comments and criticised the radio station for employing such an individual.

In an exclusive blog for insideworldparasport, Sir Philip said: "To say I'm utterly disgusted by the whole affair is an understatement.

"I am stunned and staggered that people with views like Michael Laws still exist on this planet and even more surprised that there are still broadcasters out there who employ people like him.

"Talkshow DJ's aim to provoke and spark debate but what Michael Laws said is insulting to all Paralympic athletes around the world who put in hours of training every day of the week to compete at the highest level."

Halberg Awards judge and New Zealand sporting icon Ron Cheatley echoed Sir Philip in stating that he was "disgusted" by Laws' comments.

"I've seen Paralympians in action and the pain and effort they put into their sport goes way beyond that of healthy athletes," said Cheatley.

"They also have to deal with issues on a daily basis that healthy athletes don't have to.

"Quite frankly I'm disgusted by his comments.

"I don't think he's ever witnessed a Paralympic event.

"These guys are inspirational to coaches and athletes and that's what the Halberg Awards are about.

"Michael Laws is a sideshow and the only one buying tickets is himself."

Paralympics New Zealand chairman Mark Copeland has even stated his organisation will extend an offer to fly Mr Laws to a Paralympic event anywhere in New Zealand so he could witness Paralympic sport first hand.

"I'm sure he hasn't even been to a Paralympic event," said Copeland.

"We are offering to fly Mr Laws to an event anywhere in the country at our expense so he can witness it first hand and then I'm sure he wouldn't be making these comments."

To read Sir Philip's exclusive blog in full click here.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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