Following on from the success of last year’s JCI Mayo TOYP awards, where three local winners went on to win at the National finals, and Ballina Man, Aaron Hannon, claimed his spot in the World’s Top 10 - nominations to identify more outstanding young people in Mayo are now being sought from the public.
Junior Chamber International (JCI ) Mayo have begun their search for the annual awards program to identify people in the community, aged 18 -40, who have done something remarkable that deserves recognition.
The Outstanding Young People of the year awards formally recognise young people who are doing their bit to help others, creating a positive change and/or excelling in their chosen fields. Later in the year, winners will receive a commemorative trophy and be recognised by their peers at a local awards ceremony. Local Mayo winners may also go on to be recognised nationally for their achievements, and possibly internationally during an international ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa, in November 2021.
Every year, Junior Chamber International selects 10 outstanding young people under 40 to be recognised for living the JCI Mission in extraordinary ways.
Aaron Hannon was named as the 2020 JCI Ten Outstanding Young Person of the World for his endeavours in the field of medical innovation, following in the footsteps of local woman, Aisling Neary, who was named as a winner in 2012 for her extraordinary work in international healthcare and education for the underprivileged.
When Aaron was recently asked why young people in Ireland should put themselves forward for the TOYP awards he commented: "The JCI TOYP awards serve as a great path finder for people to give them that confidence to go and achieve things that are way beyond the depths of their imagination."
He added: "The local awards in Mayo was a really nice experience to be able to sit in a room full of people from our locality who are achieving amazing things and to be able to share that moment of recognition with my family but also to be able to show my younger sister the amazing work that women in Mayo are doing."
If you know someone in Mayo who you think deserves to be recognised for their efforts, there are 10 categories under which nominations can be made, relating to the fields of business; politics; academic achievements; culture; moral/environmental leadership; contribution to children/world peace/human rights; humanitarian/voluntary leadership; scientific/technological development; personal improvement/accomplishment; and medical innovation.
After what has been a challenging year for everyone, JCI Mayo encourages the public to take a few minutes to show someone you noticed going above and beyond over the past 12 months, that you respect what he/she does and believe his/her contribution should be acknowledged.
The organising team believe that by highlighting the accomplishments of these young active citizens’, they will inspire others to be better and realise their full potential as active citizens too.
This competition is free to enter and you can send in your nominations today by simply filling in the online form on www.jciireland.ie/ten-outstanding-young-persons html. Follow JCI Mayo social media pages for up to date information. Entries close Sunday, April 18.
