Sunderland's Young Achievers' Awards for 2024 launches
The awards that recognise and celebrate children and young people and their contributions to life across Sunderland, Washington, Houghton and Hetton, are now in their 31st year.
Sunderland City Council's Cabinet Member for Young People, Learning and Skills, Councillor Linda Williams said: "In these troubling times, children and young people across our city continue to contribute to making Sunderland more dynamic, healthy, smart and vibrant.
"It's important that we all recognise the many talents and commitments that children and young people make in our city and how so many strive, achieve and aspire to do their best.
"They may have overcome adversity, they might be showing bravery, or they could be helping others as they make positive contributions to their families, colleagues, communities and the city. Please let us know."
The awards, which are overseen by the City Council and Together for Children (TfC), are open to anyone living in the city aged between eight and 18 or up to 25 with a special educational need or disability (SEND).
Previous winners have included Paralympic Gold Medalist Matt Wylie and award categories have been revamped for 2024 following consultations with TfC's youth groups about which awards they felt should be highlighted this year.
This year the Young Achievers Awards include Arts and Culture, Health and Wellbeing, Local Community, Environmental Champion, The Connor Brown Award for Sports and Physical Activity, Youth Voice and Personal Growth Awards.
Each award is open to individuals or groups and one overall winner will also be named.
The Sunderland Young Achievers' Award Ceremony - which is sponsored by partners including Everyone Active, Public Health, Integrated Care Board and the Culture House - will take place on Friday 15th March 2024 at the Rainton Meadows Arena.
Jill Colbert OBE, the Chief Executive of TfC, added: "We know so many of our children and young people are making outstanding contributions to life in Sunderland and the Young Achievers Award is where we help celebrate this.
"We have had some brilliant and inspiring nominations and winners over the years, and we look forward to hearing about the strengths, talents, service and gifts that so many of our children and young people have. Let us know about your nominee."
