At the NCVYS Awards

Here is my post for the vInspired blog in conjunction with the NCVYS Awards at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal.

The YAB at the Emirates Stadium

By Jack Welch

22/10/2012

What was the Event?

On Saturday 20^th, a small crew of vInspired staff and volunteers made a visit, where for some of them it was as far up North, to the home of Arsenal Football Club, the Emirates Stadium, for the 2012 National Council for Voluntary Youth Services (or in short, the NCVYS) Young Partners Awards 2012. It was a hard, wearying day’s work with a three course meal, delicious punch and a stage packed with entertainment. But some of them had to do the job! We were up for two fantastic awards this year, with the former YAB member, Craig, up for individual award and the whole organisation nominated in the national category.

On the Pitch

With (from left to right) Craig Priestley, Luke Harris, Me,
Shreya Ukhill and Amy Benn.

Of course, we needed some of this year’s YAB to accompany the vInspired team. So fellow members: Shreya, Luke, Jack and Amy were the lucky few selected to be our ambassadors to oversee that young people were engaged in the work they did. But we faced some stiff competition from just as enthusiastic groups, with their eyes on the very same prizes we were looking at. The atmosphere of the afternoon developed a real sense of excitement as River Dancers tapped their way before the main event got underway. Even a student at Jack’s university in Winchester was going to be playing in one of the intervals with his band (apparently they’ve just had a record deal – so watch this space for The Fortunate!)

But what would it be without having some photographs outside on the stands facing the main pitch? As the saying goes, When in Emirates…

Winner Takes All

The title screen before the ceremony.

The ceremony, after a slight delay, got underway with an explosive countdown to the main presentation of the afternoon. It seemed that the tables we were allocated had a slight theme of historic towns for the event – ours was Cheltenham, if any of you were curious. Hosted by TV Presenter and Model Michelle De Swarte and Young Facilitator for the NCVYS, Louis Howell, we eagerly anticipated the moment when vInspired’s time would come up. Sure enough, as each of the inspiring groups in their regions collected their awards, it was our moment to be in the spotlight. However, we were unsuccessful this year it seems, as Leap Confronting Conflict were to be the winners on this occasion. Craig ultimately proved to be unsuccessful too in his bid for the individual category, but we were all pleased that vInspired were recognised for the hard work they do each year for their young volunteers to realise their potential. Fortunately, the tasty dishes of chicken and chocolate cake and ice cream seemed to brighten the group’s afternoon. We also came a close joint second in the quiz that evening as well, so our visit was still worth the effort after all. With all the exciting times coming at vInspired in 2013, we can be sure that we won’t be leaving empty handed next year!