Sunderland Echo

Seeking outstandin­g youngsters

SEARCH IS ON FOR CITY’S YOUNG ACHIEVERS

- By Sue Kirby sue.kirby@jpress.co.uk Twitter: @suekirbyjp

The annual search for the city’s most inspiring young people is under way with the launch of Sunderland’s Young Achievers’ Awards 2018.

Organised by Together for Children, with the support of businesses and Sunderland City Council, the awards recognise and celebrate the outstandin­g contributi­on made by young people in all aspects of life, from performing arts, to sport, culture and community.

This year’s awards were launched by singing sensation Tom Smith, 12, from East Rainton, who scooped the overall award last year, as well as the Music and Performing Arts Category (8-13).

He was born with a life-limiting condition, hypoplasti­c left heart syndrome, meaning only half his heart works.

But, despite his condition, Tom continues to write and perform his music, even attracting praise from X FacAwards tor’s Simon Cowell.

Tom said: “It’s great to feel that what you do has been recognised and the awards are a really good event for young people in Sunderland. “

The Young Achievers’ are open to anyone living in Sunderland aged between eight and 20, and categories include Music and the Performing Arts, Personal Achievemen­t, Academic Achievemen­t, Young Carer, Young Volunteer, Sport, School Council, and Anti-Bullying, Young Apprentice and Service to the Community.

All winners and runnersup will be invited to attend the awards presentati­on event at the Stadium of Light on March, 22.

To nominate online visit www.togetherfo­rchildren. org.uk/YA2018 and all nomination­s must be submitted by Friday, November 17.

 ??  ?? From left: Sue Carty, Tom Smith and Coun Louise Farthing.
From left: Sue Carty, Tom Smith and Coun Louise Farthing.

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