Write a commentTuesday saw the 4th Annual YAFTA's descend on the Canal Court Hotel in Newry for a night of recognition for our local youth.
Young people from the Newry & Mourne Youth Council (Education Authority), finally saw months of planning and hard work come to fruition with the YAFTAs (Youth and Future Talent Awards) event, a programme delivered in partnership between the youth council and the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
The YAFTAS are youth awards created by the Newry and Mourne Youth Council with the support of the Education Authority and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to recognise the unsung heroes of our community who are doing something inspirational and are not getting the recognition they deserve. These awards were created to shine a positive light on the young people of our district and the great work they are doing.
The competition this year made the shortlisting of these winners even more difficult as young people across our district are involved in some fantastic youth work programmes, volunteering, supporting of their peers, friends and family and this deserves to be highlighted and recognised.
Young people enjoyed a glamourous awards night in the Canal Court Hotel. The awards night was a night of splendour and glamour with a black and gold theme and anywhere between 150 – 200 people attending all in stunning formal attire. The red carpet was rolled out for the awardees as they were given the celebrity treatment they thoroughly deserve.
There were 6 categories and the winners are below.
Good Relations Award
Winner: Warrenpoint Youth Forum
Runner Up: Bessbrook Youth Club
Young Carer Award
Winner: Joshua McVeigh
Runner Up: Amy McDonnell
Community Safety Award
Winner: Intercommunity Film Project
Runner Up: Shamrocks Youth Club
Voice of Young People Award
Winner: Alex Moore
Runner Up: Anita Dennison
Innovation & Creativity Award
Winner: Oliwia Swotska
Runner Up: South Down Interclub Initiative
Inspirational Young Person Award
Winner: Jamie’Lee McClellend
Runner Up: Kaasper Andreason
The event was supported by the Executive Office, the Policing & Community Safety Partnership, Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, Specsavers Newry, Education Authority, Education Authority Small Grants, Crash Services, Rice Office Supplies and JP Corry.
