Entries have been sought for the third staging of the Laois-Offaly Garda Youth Awards.
The awards celebrate outstanding young people between the ages of 13 and 21.
Laois-Offaly Gardaí, along with Supermac’s, recognise that a lot of good work is being done by young people in every community throughout both counties, which should be awarded.
Awards will be considered for nominated young people who, by their presence, make their communities a better place to live.
There will be three individual District Award Winners, two each from Birr, Portlaoise and Tullamore – along with one Special Achievement Award.
This is open to any young person who has defied the odds, or overcome difficult circumstances and whose commitment deserves recognition.
In addition, there will be one overall winner of the Laois-Offaly Garda Youth Awards for 2021.
There will also be one Voluntary Group Achievement Award, which is open to nominations of two or more young people whose combined efforts have contributed positively to their communities.
The Community Safety Award, which recognises an individual or group who has made their community a safer place to live, is also up for grabs.
The judging panel will decide upon one nominee in each category to go forward to represent the division at the National Garda Youth Awards, which take place in 2021.
In launching this year’s awards, Inspector Oliver Baker who is Chairman of the organising committee, said: “This is the third Laois Offaly Youth Awards and they have all been hugely successful.
“It is a great source of delight and pride for all of us in An Garda Síochána to meet these amazing young people who are an inspiration to us all.
“I would like to pay special thanks to Supermac’s for their support.”
Pat McDonagh said: “Supermac’s are delighted to support the Laois Offaly Garda Youth Awards 2020.
“We have met great young people and their families at the previous two awards ceremonies.
“We come into contact with thousands of young people on a daily basis in Supermac’s outlets and see many examples of social awareness and considerate behaviour among them.
“Supermac’s appreciates the opportunity to work closely with the Gardai on such a constructive and vital project which promotes pride and awareness among young people.”
This year’s Nominations forms can be completed online with the link available on the Laois Offaly Garda Division Facebook Page.
Completed forms should be emailed to laoisoffalygardayouthawards@garda.ie
The application form is also available to download from www.garda.ie, An Garda Siochana Laois Offaly Facebook page and from www.supermacs.ie. .
The award winners will be celebrated at a special event on a date which will be announced online.
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