Downpatrick pair get awards from ministers

Downpatrick pair get awards from ministers

29 June 2016

TWO young people from Downpatrick have been presented with awards by Stormont Ministers Megan Fearon and Alastair Ross.

Rebecca Marshall and Stephen Gouldie, from Downpatrick’s Venture Project, received their awards at the recent Youth Link NI presentation ceremony held at Belfast’s Grosvenor House.

Youth Link NI is a collaborative partnership of the four larger churches in Ireland and Rebecca and Stephen were among 300 people from the churches who have taken part in youth leadership training programmes, community relations and active citizenship youth projects.

The Junior Ministers said the Downpatrick duo, along with the other award recipients,

make an immense contribution to society. 

“It’s fantastic to see so many young people and youth workers receive much deserved recognition for the training programmes and projects they’ve undertaken,” said Ms Fearon, speaking at the ceremony. “Youth Link provides important community relations work and tonight is a shining example of that.”

Mr Ross commended Youth Link for the important role it plays in building peace and improving community relations in Northern Ireland, congratulating all those being recognised.

He added: “The Northern Ireland Executive has a shared aim to continue to improve attitudes amongst our young people and build a community where they can play a full and active role in building good relations.”