THIS YEAR’S YOUNG ACHIEVERS have received their awards at a presentation ceremony at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland City Council’s annual awards which celebrate the city’s most talented, creative and community spirited young people were launched more than two decades ago.
The Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Barry Curran, was joined by Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services Councillor Pat Smith to help present the awards which recognise the outstanding contribution made by young people in all aspects of community life.
The Sunderland Young Achievers’ awards are organised by Sunderland City Council with the support and sponsorship of the local business and community sector.
This year’s sponsors were Gentoo, R&B Group, University of Sunderland Students Union, Sunderland Governors’ Association, Nissan, Arts Centre Washington and SAFC Foundation of Light.
The awards are open to anyone living in Sunderland aged between eight and 20 years old, and celebrate the achievements, bravery, talent and positive contribution they have made to the lives of their families, communities and city.
The categories are Music and Performing Arts, Personal Achievement, Academic Achievement, Young Carer, Volunteer, Sport, School Council, Anti-Bullying Team, Young Apprentice and Service to the Community. This year also saw the introduction of a one-off special recognition award for Arts & Culture.
Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, Councillor Pat said: “I am always very proud to be invited to help present the annual Young Achievers’ Awards, which recognise the massive contribution young people across the city make to our communities.
“That contribution should never be underestimated, and these awards are recognition of their individual and shared talent and commitment to improving their lives and the lives of all those around them.
“I believe that these awards are a great incentive for all our young people to strive to be the best that they can be in whatever they do.”
Overall winner this year is Matt Wylie, 19, from Washington who was presented with the Andy Neal Award 2016 which commemorates a former council employee who helped establish the Young Achievers’ Awards.
Matt who won the Sport Award category (14-20 years age range) is a record breaking member of the British Para Swimming Team who was named both North East Disability Male Personality and Sunderland Sports Fund Paralympian of the Year for 2015.
Despite his training commitments as member of the British Para Swimming team competing in the IPC Swimming European Open Championships in April, studying for his A Levels and successfully completing an Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence, Matt still finds time to coach younger swimmers at Sunderland Swim Club.
Presenting the overall Young Achiever 2016 award to Matt, the Mayor of Sunderland Councillor Barry Curran said: “One of the many great honours associated with becoming Mayor is the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of these truly inspirational young people who represent themselves their families and our city so well.”
Also presented with awards were the winners of the Youth Arts Exhibition which was organised by Arts Centre Washington earlier this year.
Music and Performing Arts
Winner (8-13 years) – Lewis Cole
Highly Commended (8-13 years) – Tom Smith
Winner (14-20 years) – Kevin Clinton
Highly Commended (14-20 years) Daisy Swansbury
Winner (Group) – Houghton Brass Band
Highly Commended (Group) – Sunderland Music Workshops
Personal Achievement
Winner (8-13 years) – Jennifer Smith
Highly Commended (8-13 years) – Dillon Revell
Winner (14-20 years) – Kieran Boyce
Highly Commended (14-20 years) – TJ Smith
Academic Achievement
Winner (8-13 years) – Kayley Dunn
Highly Commended (8-13 years) – Hannah Chapman
Winner (14-20 years) – Daniel Pace
Highly Commended (14- 20 years) – Evelyn Earl
Young Carer
Winner (8-13 years) – Chloe Hall
Highly Commended (8-13 years) – Eden Clark
Winner (14-20 years) – Catherine Saunders
Highly Commended (14-20 years) – Tim Davison
Young Volunteer
Winner (8-13 years) – Madie Jardine
Highly Commended (8-13 years) – Grace Hewitt
Winner (14-20 years) – Katherine Eastaugh
Highly Commended (14-20 years) – Sam Blacklock
Sport
Winner (8-13 years) – Layla Tipton
Highly Commended (8-13 years) – Connor Berry
Winner (14-20 years) – Matt Wylie
Highly Commended (14-20 years) – Tammy Proctor
Winner (Group) – Freedom Wheels
Highly Commended (Group) – The Flats Youth Kickboxers
Service to the Community
Winner (8-13 years) – Noah Dowsett
Winner (14-20 years) – Hannah Young
Highly Commended (14-20 years) – Jaydon Tucker
Winner (Group) – Grange Park Virgin Money Team
Highly Commended (Group) – Young Friends of Sycamore Lodge
Anti-Bullying
Winner – Eppleton Academy
Highly Commended – Washington School
School Council
Winner – Southmoor Academy
Highly Commended – Southwick Community School Council
Young Apprentice
Winner – Leigh Scott
Highly Commended – Desta Ross