Wrexham youngsters celebrated for their Duke of Edinburgh Awards success

Forty young people from Wrexham Open Award Centre have celebrated achieving their Gold, Silver and Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

A presentation ceremony was recently held at Ty Pawb to celebrate their achievements and hard work.

It was opened by Katrina Long from Duke of Edinburgh Award, Wales marking this significant milestone in the journey for the youngsters.

Over the past two years, four young people achieved gold, 13 achieved silver and 23 achieved bronze awards.

The awards were presented by the Mayor of Wrexham, Councillor Ronnie Prince who thanked, praised and offered sincere admiration to all participants.

Sabrina Fortune, British Paralympic Track and Field athlete took part in a Question and Answer session with host for the evening Clive Rowland.

Sabrina shared jaw dropping tales of inspiration, courage and sporting prowess in a journey that has resulted in a mixture of medals, including winning Gold at the World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai.

Local songwriter and performer Luke Gallagher provided entertainment throughout the evening, with the celebration closed by Donna Dickenson, Head of Prevention and Support, who said, “All these young people can be exceptionally proud of their achievements along with their parents who provided them all with unconditional support throughout their journey. I

“t’s truly inspirational to hear their stories and I offer my wholehearted congratulations to them all.”

Achieving an award is no mean feat with the ultimate goal being Gold and during their Duke of Edinburgh journey participants explore new skills and challenges, develop opportunities to enhance their knowledge and abilities in five areas: Volunteering, Physical Activity, Skills, Expeditions as well as Residential Activities.

The Wrexham Duke of Edinburgh team has been supporting its young people to complete their awards for over 30 years and young people from Wrexham choose to take on a wide range of interests and pursuits and the programmes are personalised to stimulate their passions and interests.

If you are under 23 years, or know a young person who would like the challenge of doing a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Bronze, Silver or Gold please contact the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award team who are based at the Victoria Young People’s Centre on a Monday or Wednesday evening on 01978 317958 or mobile 07800689102 from 6.00pm to 8.30pm, alternatively email [email protected].