The James Dyson Foundation has been confirmed as a main supporter of Bath and North East Somerset’s Our Young Stars Awards.
The awards will recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of extraordinary young people in the district.
The James Dyson Foundation, which introduces young people to the exciting world of engineering, is the fifth major supporter to back the awards.
Sir James Dyson, founder of The James Dyson Foundation, said: “I am constantly impressed with the ingenuity of young people. My foundation has worked with school children in Bath for many years to encourage their inventive spirit. It is these creative minds who will solve our future world problems. I hope this award will inspire more young people to achieve great things.”
In launching the awards at the Guildhall, Bath & North East Somerset Council Leader, Tim Warren said: “I was inspired to create the awards after hearing the remarkable stories of young people, who make a valuable contribution to their community, at Bristol’s Young Heroes Awards, organised by Community of Purpose earlier this year.
“I know that across Bath and North East Somerset there are many selfless and courageous young people, who may have forsaken some of the joys and freedom of childhood to make a difference to the lives of others or to achieve great things in the face of adversity or personal challenges.
“I think it’s important to recognise these young people, share their stories and celebrate their achievements.
“If you know a young person worthy of an ‘Our Young Stars Award’ please make a nomination – we don’t want to miss anyone.”
Residents, schools and organisations are now being asked to nominate a young person who they feel is worthy of such an award and receive the recognition they deserve.
There are five categories and our thanks go to the sponsors for their generosity and support:
Education – YTL/Wessex Water
Unsung – IESIS Group Ltd (Rengen Developments)
Courage – Kersfield
Sport – Bath Rugby
Innovation – The James Dyson Foundation
A panel of judges will look at all the nominations in December and select three of the most deserving young people from each category to become finalists. The fifteen finalists will then be invited to a Gala Awards Dinner on 9th March 2019 for a celebration of their achievements, where the winners will be announced and awards presented to all of the finalists.
The Our Young Stars Awards are supported by Wessex Water, Bath Rugby, IESIS (Rengen Developments), Kersfield and The James Dyson Foundation, Bath Bid and Southgate.
Colin Skellett, CEO of YTL Power International, which owns Wessex Water, said: “Wessex Water is delighted to help sponsor these awards to celebrate the outstanding achievements of many of our young people who not only manage their own lives, but look after and care for others.”
Iestyn Lewis, CEO of IESIS Group, a multi-disciplinary property consultancy, development and engineering company, said: “IESIS Group is proud to be a sponsor of this incredible event recognising young leaders and volunteers who have a positive impact on the Bath and North East Somerset Community.”
Tarquin McDonald, Chief Executive of Bath Rugby, said: “We are delighted to support the Young Stars Awards and to help celebrate amazing children and young adults. Their example is an inspiration and something they, and more widely all of us, should be very proud of. By celebrating their achievements other people will hopefully be inspired and realise the profoundly positive impact they too can have in their community.”
David Newton, Chief Executive at Kersfield, a Bath-based property developer, said: “We know from personal experience that we have some truly inspirational young people living in Bath and the surrounding area. This is a great initiative to acknowledge the achievements and contributions these fantastic and often under-celebrated young people make. We are proud to sponsor the Courage category and look forward to meeting and celebrating with the nominees and winners at the awards evening.”
Nominees must be 18 or under on December 31st 2018 and live in Bath and North East Somerset.
The deadline for nominations is Friday 30th November 2018.
Nomination forms are available online at: www.bathnes.gov.uk/ouryoungstars
Completed forms can also be returned by post to: Bath and North Ea st Somerset Council, The Leader’s Office, Guildhall, Bath. BA1 5AW
Or emailed to: Leader&_cabinetoffice@bathnes.gov.uk
