The outstanding achievements of more than 100 young people from across Norfolk were celebrated at an inspiring ceremony in Norwich.
The outstanding achievements of more than 100 young people from across Norfolk were celebrated at an inspiring ceremony in Norwich.
OPEN's first Norfolk Youth Awards showcased the stories of under-18s from a wide variety of backgrounds, whose unifying factor is being exceptional.
Di Cunningham, breakfast presenter at Future Radio hosted the night, which was postponed from February due to snowy conditions.
Nine categories celebrated achievements from voluntary work to entrepreneurial success.
John Gordon-Saker, CEO for OPEN said: 'Following the format of the former Bernard Matthew Youth Awards, OPEN wanted to re-establish these awards to reward the inspirational young people we have living in Norfolk.
'It is important that we recognise the impact our young people make, as they are the key to the future of the region.'
An outstanding achievement award was presented to Jaimz Mee, 16, who was selected for his commitment to dance, despite being told he was 'too fat' by a teacher.
Isaac Jervis, eight, from Attleborough was shortlisted for the community and charity awards for his fundraising and volunteering for people with dementia. He said: 'I got butterflies when I got up on stage. My grandad had dementia and I thought it's just not fair that people have this problem.'
The EDP and Norwich Evening News are media partners of the awards. In a speech at the event, EDP and Evening News editor David Powles said: 'I believe if we can be positive about young people and portray them in a realistic light, we will only improve their confidence and desire to continue to make a difference once they reach adulthood.'
Next year's ceremony will include Norfolk charity Momentum's Norfolk Youth Award.
The category sponsors were: Sport Individual - Active Norfolk; Perseverance - Indigo Swan; Team of the Year - Sportspark; Community - Almary Green; Charity - Price Bailey; Volunteer - Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk; Education - Hugh J Boswell; Arts - NW Brown; Entrepreneur - Larking Gowen,and Hero - Norfolk Constabulary.
The main sponsors were Norfolk County Council, City College Norwich and Norwich City Football Club.
Judges at the Norfolk Youth Awards looked at more than 100 exemplary young people. Here are the winners.
Sport Individual: Ruby Bishop, 14, for her achievements in wheelchair tennis.
Perseverance: Maisie Lossau, 12, who endured a 7-hour operation to remove a brain tumour.
Team of the Year: Sprowston Youth Engagement Project (SYEP) Young Committee.
Community: Tavis Gray, 20, who runs a youth club.
Charity: Kiera-Lee Lain, 11, a Nelson's Journey volunteer.
Volunteer: Archie Roques, 17, a Park Run volunteer.
Education: Ryan Woodmansee, 18, a future male practitioner.
Arts: Taryn Everdeen, 16, for her achievements in photography, music and drama.
Entrepreneur: Abigail Davis, 17, who created her own baking business.
Hero: Lorna Vyse, Nelson's Journey.
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