Write a commentThe Youth and Future Talent Achievement Awards (YAFTAs) were presented yesterday at a function in Ballynahinch.
The Awards evening was organised by the Down Youth Forum in partnership with the Newry Youth Forum and was also supported by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and the Education Authority.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew said, “The YAFTAs are an excellent platform to acknowledge and reward the talent and achievements of our district’s most inspirational young people. The event helps us showcase the talent and good will of young people from our area in a positive light and gives other young people something to aspire to achieve.
Cllr Mulgrew continued, “Choosing a winner was extremely difficult as over 70 excellent nominations were received in a variety of categories including Young Carer; Good Relations; Inspirational Young Person; Voice of Young People; Community Safety; Innovation and finally Inclusion. I would like to thank all the sponsors for their support in each category including Phoenix Natural Gas, Specsavers Newry, Downpatrick Football Club, County Down Rural Community Network, Flying Horse Ward Community Forum and the Policing and Community Safety Partnership.”
Education Authority Youth Officer, Esther Millar said, “The YAFTA Awards provide an opportunity to recognise and reward the selfless and creative efforts of young people as they better the lives of the people around them and promotes a very positive awareness around young people’s contribution in the local community. The commitment of both of the Youth Council groups to work collaboratively to facilitate the YAFTA event has been tremendous.”
If you require any further information regarding the Awards Evening or future YAFTAs please contact Katrina Hynds, Downpatrick DEA Co-Ordinator at katrina.hynds@nmandd.org or 078 0383 2512.
Slieve Gullion Councillor Pete Byrne congratulated all the people nominated and said that the YAFTAs is an opportunity to celebrate extraordinary young people and has spoken of his pride at local man Fergal Gregory winning Inspirational Young Person of the Year.
Cllr Byrne said, "In the chaos of everyday life, it is important now and again to step back and recognise the unsung heroes in our communities. Every year we gather to celebrate young people at our Youth and Future Talent Awards (YAFTAs) and acknowledge the contribution they have made to our district. I felt a deep sense of pride on hearing the news that local Culloville man Fergal Gregory won the Inspirational Young Person of the Year Award.
"Anyone who knows Fergal, will know of his sporting achievements over the last number of years.
I have known Fergal for quite some time now but it was his work on the inclusion programme at St. Oliver Plunkett’s Youth Club in Crossmaglen which I admire him for the most. It is right that we acknowledge and also thank Fergal not only for representing us in South Armagh but for representing the whole of Ireland on the world stage."
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