NOMINATIONS FOR THIS YEAR’S YOUNG ACHIEVERS AWARDS are open.
Sunderland City Council’s annual awards to the city’s most talented, creative and community spirited young people was launched at St Anthony’s Girls Catholic Academy.
The Deputy Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Alan Emerson joined previous year’s recipients Olivia Glover (Winner) and Ann Andreas (Highly Commended) to launch the search for Young Achievers 2016.
This is the 23rd consecutive year of the awards which recognise the outstanding contribution made by young people in all aspects of community life.
They are organised by Sunderland City Council with the support and sponsorship of the local business and community sector.
This year’s sponsors are Gentoo, See It – Do It, 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.
Last year new the awards were divided into several different categories by a panel of previous Young Achievers recipients to widen the scope of eligibility.
The categories are Music and the Performing Arts, Personal Achievement, Academic Achievement, Young Carer, Young Volunteer, Sport, School Council, and Anti-Bullying, Young Apprentice and Service to the Community.
Awards will also be presented to the winners of the Youth Arts Exhibition taking place at the Arts Centre Washington between Jan and March 2016 (nominations are not open for these until the end of October).
All winners and runners-up will then be invited to attend the awards presentation and annual celebratory event being staged at the Stadium of Light on Thursday 10 March next year.
Deputy Mayor, Councillor Alan Emerson said: “I was honoured to meet two winners of last year’s Young Achiever’s Awards.
“I think it is more important than ever that we recognise the talent and commitment that exists within our young people.
“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. ”
Nominations can be made online on www.sun-fm.com/YA16 or by contacting Jane Wheeler Participation and Engagement Leadjane.wheeler@sunderland.gov.uk or 561 7430
Winner in last year’s category for Music and Performing Arts, Olivia Glover,13, from Ashbrooke said: “Winning my Sunderland Young Achievers Award was a very happy occasion which I will always remember.”
Ann Andreas, 17, from Barnes, winner in the Academic Achievement category, added: “Winning a City of Sunderland Young Achiever Award is an indication that you are ‘getting things right’ and a very big encouragement to carry on work hard and making a difference.”
Sun FM Breakfast presenter and Programme Director, Simon Grundy said: “Last year we managed to increase the number of entries so that more young people were recognised for their achievements and we are proud to be involved again, this time with St Anthony’s.
“Myself and Danni are looking forward to hosting the event in March, so please make sure you enter!”
# SUN FM is the most listened to radio station broadcasting to Sunderland, attracting more listeners than Radio 2 and other larger stations.” (Source: Rajar Q2 –P/E June2015)
LAUNCH OF YOUNG ACHIEVERS 2016: (foreground l-r) Young Achievers Ann Andreas and Olivia Glover are joined by the Mayor and Mayoress of Sunderland, Cllr Alan Emerson and Janice Emerson, with Danni Moore, Simon Grundy and mascot ‘Sunny the Seagull’ from Sun FM to open nominations for Sunderland Young Achievers 2016