Young People Awards 2023
17th november
Wigan youth zone
Free
BRILLIANT local young people who show enthusiasm, determination and passion for their community were celebrated at Wigan Youth Zone’s first-ever Young People Awards Event.
The Young People Awards Ceremony was hosted on Saturday, 17th of November 2021, at Wigan Youth Zone, highlighting achievements, stories of compassion and leadership demonstrated by Wigan Youth Zone’s young people.
In the third year running, the awards recognise a variety of achievements by young people in Wigan and Leigh area. These awards highlight accomplishments across a range of categories, such as “The Bill Ainscough Rising Star Award” and “The Dave Whelan’s Sports Person of the Year Award”. The awards recognise the valuable contributions that young people are making in the local community today. Over 150 young people aged 8 -19 (25 with additional needs) were nominated for an award across 9 categories, of which 29 were shortlisted.
In attendance at the Awards were two Wigan Youth Zone founders, Bill Ainscough and Martin Ainscough CBE DL and The Lady Smith DL, who presented “The Lord Peter Smith Community Hero Award” named after the former Leader of Wigan Council. Martin Ainscough surprised everyone on the evening by announcing that all the young people shortlisted would be invited for a two-night complimentary residential at Adventure Parc Snowdonia, which the young people were thrilled about.
Alongside the award presentations that were hosted by Alumni Members Courtney Holmes and Saifeldeen Bassowa, was a heartfelt performance from Junior Member Alba, who sang a rendition of Les Misérables’ I Dreamed a Dream. We also saw a sneak peek performance of Shrek-ish the Musical from both Senior and Junior members, which then moved on to a rave with DJ Leo, a Junior Member.
Wigan Youth Zones Head of Youth Work Nikki Varley said: “Being in the midst of numerous talented, resilient, and innovative young individuals was a humbling experience. The stories of success served as a powerful reminder of the influence of youth work and the positive effects that Youth Zones can bring to the lives of young people and, subsequently, the broader community. Our pride in the accomplishments of our members is immense, with many achieving extraordinary feats. Congratulations to all the highly deserving finalists and winners of the awards.”
Ryan – The Kindness Counts Award
Destiny – Young Creative of the Year Award
Billy – Dave Whelan Sportsperson of the Year
Melia – Lord Peter Smith Community Hero Award
Leo – The Bill Ainscough Rising Star Award
Darcy – The Bernard Edmunds Young Entrepreneur Award
Dan – The Martin Ainscough Special Achievement
Justin – Junior Member of the Year
Keeley – Senior Member of the Year
