The Awards recognise outstanding young people in the region aged under 35 who have made an impact, whether nationally, regionally or locally. To nominate a potential winner, just visit the Awards website at www.yorkshireyoungachievers.co.uk or contact Sonia Jones at McCormicks Solicitors on 01423 530630.
Last year the Awards celebrated their 21st birthday with the news that they had raised more than £1 million for young people in Yorkshire. Awards Chairman Peter McCormick OBE said: “The reason for the Awards is twofold: we recognise and reward the achievements and efforts of young people who are making their mark in some way but at the same time we also raise funds to help other young people in Yorkshire to achieve their own successes, whether that is through improving their lives or helping them to attain an ambition.
“We have had some terrific winners of the Awards in the past. I am confident there are many young people who deserve recognition this year and we want to hear about them! It doesn’t matter whether they are world famous or are known only within their own community. What is important is that they have had an impact because of their talent, fortitude or determination to achieve a better life.”
A previous winner and a grant recipient were on hand to launch the 2014 Awards. Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher won the Achievement in the Arts Award in 2001 and has been a long-term supporter, usually presenting the Youngster of the Year Award at the event.
Ellie Renton, aged three, has received a grant towards a new power wheelchair to help her to keep up with her friends. Ellie, who lives in Kirkby Malzeard, has Spinal Muscular Atrophy and is unable to stand or walk.
The closing date for entries is Friday 19 September. The winners will be announced at the Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards dinner on Thursday 20 November at the Leeds United Conference and Exhibition Centre. Tickets for the dinner are also now on sale and are available through the website.
A host of Yorkshire stars have taken Awards over the years, such as Olympic gold medallists Jessica Ennis-Hill and Alistair Brownlee, Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh, top Leeds band the Kaiser Chiefs, singer John Newman, Leeds Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield, and England cricketers Joe Root, Michael Vaughan and Tim Bresnan.
The Awards are sponsored by McCormicks Solicitors of Harrogate. There are seven categories as follows:
– Personality of the Year (sponsored by Rudding Park)
– Youngster of the Year (DFS)
– Unsung Hero (Lunchbox Theatrical Productions Ltd)
– Achievement in the Arts (Yorkshire Evening Post)
– Achievement in Education (Positive Tax Solutions LLP)
– Achievement in Management and Enterprise (The Wetherby Whaler Group)
– Achievement in Sport (Leeds United Football Club)