Lions Clubs International

At the Young Ambassador final, held at Dudley on 17 – 19 February, all Districts submitted entries. Unfortunately, the candidate from District I had to withdraw for health reasons so only 12 candidates competed.

 We were particularly honoured to have our International First Vice President Lion Wayne Madden and his wife Lion Linda as our guests for the weekend.

The winner of the 2012 Young Ambassador Competition is Charlotte Smith sponsored by Birchwood Lions Club 105BN receiving her trophy from Council Chairman Lion Tony Gadsby at the Young Ambassador Final

Below is Charlotte’s 150 word pen portrait.

“People will forget what you said, they will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” The most rewarding thing, for me, is knowing that I have helped someone else and had an opportunity to work hard at something and achieve my goal. Volunteering, travelling and fundraising are what I enjoy. I have been fortunate enough to help with projects not only in my own community but also on an international scale. Over a number of years, my projects have helped me to become involved with people from all walks of life, helping the disabled, homeless and young people. I also help out regularly with Lions projects. A life-changing and cultural project I have undertaken was in South Africa where I volunteered and taught in orphanages; projects that are very close to my heart. It is important to do a job with your heart as well as your head.

THE SHIPSHAPE AWARD

This award is awarded to a candidate who demonstrates a particularly strong personal commitment and enthusiasm for their community work but who, in the opinion of the judges, would benefit from the opportunity to develop their confidence and their leadership skills.

The winner of the Shipshape Award was Fiona Montgomery, sponsored by Letchworth Garden City and Baldock Lions Club, representing District A.

Below is Fiona’s 150 word pen portrait:

I am 15 years old and I am currently studying for my GCSE’S at Hitchin Girls’ School. I became involved in activities provided by the North Herts Disability Sports Association (NHDSA) at the age of 11 and now I am volunteering at the North Herts Boccia Club as a Team Manager for our Junior Boccia Team whose members have a range of physical disabilities. As I have a disability myself, I feel that I can relate to them, and, as a member of a National standard Boccia team, hopefully inspire them for the future. It is amazing to see just how much their coordination  skills, confidence and teamwork have improved over the past few months. I feel that volunteering has helped me become a more confident person, and I hope that my work benefits the young team, as much as it benefits me. I would love to continue this on into the future.