Wheelchair star Dylan Alcott wins Most Popular new talent award, moves Logies audience to tears

Wheelchair tennis star Dylan Alcott on Sunday moved the Logies audience to tears with his emotional speech after winning the Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular new talent.

Alcott, 28, was nominated for his work as co-host of the ABC's live music show The Set - and for his role on the broadcaster's coverage of the Invictus Games in October 2018.

Alcott, who has represented Australia at the Paralympics and won several Grand Slam tournaments, also had the audience in fits of laughter during his speech.

He said he didn't think he'd win because he couldn't see a ramp leading up to the stage, but realised soon after there was a suitable back entrance.

'This award means a lot to me. Because I used to absolutely hate having a disability. I've been in a wheelchair my whole life. I hated it,' he said. 

'One of the reasons, I hated it was because when I turned on the TV, I never saw anybody like me.  

'When I did see someone like me, it was a road safety ad where someone drink driving has a car accident and the next scene is someone like me whose life was over.

'And I was like that's not my life. I want to get a job on TV.'

'I love sharing stories. Also to show that people with disabilities can be talented, funny, humorous, just normal people enjoying their lives.'  

Alcott, who recently won the French Open title, received thunderous applause from the audience for his speech. 

In the last decade, Alcott has arguably brought greater visibility to people with disabilities in sport than any other Australian.

Alcott said there are 4.5 million like him with a disability.

'So whether it is education, employment or going on a date... whatever it is, please give them an opportunity too,' he said.

'There are lots of talented people out there, and I promise you they won't disappoint.'

Alcott was left paraplegic following an operation to remove a tumor around his spinal cord shortly after he was born.

Source: Daily Mail

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