Inspirational youngsters honoured at 10th annual High Sheriff Community Awards
Inspirational youngsters who have devoted themselves to communities across Mid Glamorgan have been praised at a prestigious awards event hosted by Sony UK Technology Centre.
Five groups, which have made an impact to the lives of people across Pontyclun, Merthyr Tydfil, and Bridgend, were recognised at this year’s High Sheriff Community Awards this week.
The event, which has been running since 2008, aims to highlight the contributions of individuals and groups throughout south Wales who have made a real difference to their communities in the past 12 months.
This year, seven awards were handed out to recipients, with the Heronsbridge Duke of Edinburgh group from Bridgend receiving first place, while Bridgend Canoe Club came second, Motivational Preparation College for Training (MPCT) were third, and the Infuse Dance Group was highly commended.
Altogether almost £2,000 in prize money was awarded to the evening’s winners, which will be used to enhance and support their organisations going forwards.
Special awards were also handed out, including the Anne Morgan Award, which was named in honour of and presented by High Sheriff Awards founder Anne Morgan. This was claimed by the RCT Police Youth Volunteers, from Rhondda Cynon Taf.
The High Sheriff Cup was also presented to the Heronsbridge Duke of Edinburgh group on the night by patron of the awards Dame Kate Thomas.
While the High Sheriff Special Recognition Award, presented by High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan Jon Wall, was awarded to musical theatre student Ella Thomas.
During the evening attendees were welcomed by the Director of Professional Services at Sony UK TEC Gerald Kelly, and were later treated to a special talk by guest speaker, and Wales and British Lions Rugby International, George North.
Director of professional services at Sony UK TEC Gerald Kelly, who is a member of the High Sheriff Mid Glamorgan Youth Community Awards, said he was delighted to recognise these “inspirational” youngsters.
He said:
“As a community-focussed business, we at Sony UK TEC feel it is vital to support those who are making a significant contribution to south Wales.
“These amazing groups and individuals have exceeded all expectations to support their communities and we are delighted to highlight their fantastic achievements.
“Supporting the next generation within society is at the heart of everything we stand for, so we firmly support the inspirational work carried out by all our nominees at this year’s awards.”