Gardai in Kildare set up awards scheme to honour teenagers

Kildare Gardai plan to reward young people in the county who make a difference in their communities.

The Garda Youth Awards are run in other counties for several years but it's the first time they have been introduced here.

Newbridge Silverware will be sponsoring the inaugural awards which intend to formally celebrate the achievements and contributions of young people.

A Kildare Garda spokesman said: "The Awards will celebrate outstanding young people between the ages of 12 and 20 years.

"An Garda Síochána and Newbridge Silverware both recognise that good work is being done by young people in every community in the county.

"Awards will be considered for nominated young people who make their communities a better place in which to live."

An organising and selection committee is being put in place at the moment and nomination forms will be made available in the near future both online, from local Garda Stations and from the Newbridge Silverware Showrooms.

The awards ceremony attended by nominees, sponsors and senior gardai will take place in the Panoramic Restaurant at Punchestown Racecourse on November 11.

The Group Award category is expected to be included in the initiative and will apply for groups of two or more young people whose combined efforts have contributed positively to their communities.

Gardai in other counties have run a Special Achievement category applies to any young person who has defied the odds, or overcome difficult circumstances, and whose commitment deserves recognition.

Also featured elsewhere is The Outstanding Contribution to Youth Award is a way in which to honour those who have inspired and assisted young people to fulfil their potential.

Kildare Gardai said it was important to recognise that all the nominees would benefit from the Awards scheme and not just thewinners.

All other nominees will receive a Certificate signed by their local Superintendent to highlight their nomination.

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