INSPIRATION AND ASPIRATION are all on display at YMCA Newcastle’s city centre base at SPACE2… in Pilgrim Street on Thursday 12 Jan 4-7pm.
Paralympic gold medallist, Matt Wylie is visiting Newcastle’s most established young people’s charity to present 51 young people from YMCA projects across the city with their certificates of achievement for successfully completing a series of personal challenges.
The 19-year-old Paralympian from Washington whose endless hours of training and dedication to his sport led to a Gold medal in Rio and success in international competitions during his career, will present 14 young people with their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award and 17 others will be receiving certificates for completing part of their award. Another 20 will be presented with their volunteering course completion certificates.
Chief Executive of YMCA Newcastle, Jeff Hurst said: “We are all delighted that Matt has agreed to present the certificates, his commitment to his sport and achievements as a result of hard work and determination are an example for us all. I can’t think of anyone better to make the presentation and would like to thank him for coming along.
“Matt would be the first to recognise the help and support he has received during his career because all young people need that to make the most of their opportunities, and that’s what YMCA Newcastle aims to provide to young people across our community.
“All those receiving their Duke of Edinburgh and their Volunteering certificates can be very proud, it shows their commitment to their own personal development and to helping others in the process.”
This is the first year YMCA Newcastle have been involved with the Duke of Edinburgh awards since with 15 successfully completing the whole programme, while the accredited volunteering course was established in 2015 to provide young people with the chance to boost their employment and training prospects.
One of those being presented with their Duke of Edinburgh Awards is 17-year old Alex Warren from Gateshead who volunteered at SPACE2… as part of her award, using her skills and talents helping to stage fashion and creative workshops for other young people attending the centre in Pilgrim Street to take part in a range of leisure, sport, music, training and education activities.
Alex, who is studying art and photography at a Thorpe Academy next year said: “I found out about the Duke of Edinburgh Awards through SPACE2…, some of my friends were taking part and I thought it would be nice to see what it was like.
“It has really helped to grow my confidence and I’ve gained so many valuable skills that will help me in my future career. I would recommend the award and SPACE2… to anyone, it’s a great opportunity to meet new people, develop a skill, and grow more confident about your own capabilities.”
The Chair of the charity, Phil Joyce, completed the Duke of Edinburgh Gold award 50 years ago but wasn’t able to go the Buckingham Palace to receive his award. He said “ I’ve still got my log book and certificate and reading through it last week reminded me of the great opportunity the Award presents and the skills I learnt that I took into the workplace with me. I wasn’t able to collect my award so I am thrilled to be able to celebrate the young people’s achievement at this presentation night.”