The veteran coach was presented with the Shining Light Award at the Attitude Awards at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland last night.The awards celebrate the achievements of people who live with disabilities.
The renowned throwing coach has worked with New Zealand able-bodied sporting giants such as Valerie Adams and Beatrice Faumuina during a career spanning nearly 30 years. But it is her involvement with Paralympians and the work she does to enhance the lives of people with disabilities which resulted in her being acknowledged with what is a lifetime award.
"It was a complete surprise and a complete shock," Bates said.
"You don’t do it for the accolades; you do it because you are passionate.
"The rewards can be great but it does not matter if an athlete does not attain their major goal. It is actually about them being able do things in life that they didn’t thing they would be able to do.
"To play a small part in that and help them realise their dream or that they can do something they did not think they could do, well that is success to me. It is not just about winning medals."
Attitude trustee Robyn Scott-Vincent said Bates (51) had done a tremendous job to help athletes with disabilities shine.
"Raylene has not only coached champions, she has invested in young disabled athletes and athletes who show promise but often lack confidence."
Bates was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her service to athletics in the 2017 New Year Honours.
She is committed to her role with para-athletics to the Tokyo Paralympics and is hopeful she can continue building the programme.
