Write a commentThe fifth annual Youth and Future Talent Awards (YAFTA’s) were launched today at Newry Youth Resource Centre and nomination forms are now available with a closing date of 23 February.
The YAFTA’s were created to highlight the ‘unsung heroes’ throughout the area – those young people, who do not normally receive recognition, for the contribution they make to their families, youth groups, schools and wider community.
The two Youth Council’s work in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to help ensure the awards are promoted widely.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew said, “Newry, Mourne and Down District Council are delighted once again to support the Youth and Future Talent Awards. These awards are an excellent platform to acknowledge and reward the talent and achievements of our area’s most inspirational young people. I would encourage people to nominate a young person or group of young people that you know who have gone above and beyond in contributing to their families and communities, giving them the well-deserved recognition for their hard work and effort”.
The YAFTA’s are awarded in seven categories: Good Relations; Voice of Young People; Innovation & Creativity; Community Safety; Young Carer; Inspirational Young Person and Inclusion.
Also speaking at the event EA Senior youth Officer, Caroline Karayiannis, congratulated the two Youth Councils on their efforts in planning and organising the Awards. ‘The commitment of both Youth Councils to work together on this event has been tremendous. The young people from Down Youth Council are delighted to be hosting the Awards within their own local area this year’
The Awards ceremony is only made possible by the generous support of local businesses, statutory and community organisations.
Sponsors this year include Phoenix Natural Gas, Specsavers Newry, PCSP, Newry, Mourne and Down Council, County Down Rural Community Network, Downpatrick Football Club, and Flying Horse Ward Community Forum.
Nomination forms are now available to be collected from Newry Youth Resource Centre Carnbane Road Newry BT15 6QA or the Ballymote Youth Wing, Ballymote Sports and Wellbeing Centre, 96 Glebetown Drive, Downpatrick, BT30 6PX
You can also get a form by contacting Down Youth Office on 02890566865. The closing date for completed nomination forms is Friday 23rd February 2018 at 5.00pm.
