Pride Lands Ltd is calling for nominations to celebrate young people’s achievements. When was the last time we celebrated the achievement of our next generation in public? When was the last time we gave our children a standing ovation with pride and joy? The Pride Awards is that chance.

In December 2010, Pride Lands hosted the inaugural Pride Awards and presented awards to some of Wellington’s cubs aged between 5-15 years acknowledging their achievements in school and contributions to their communities.

Organiser and Pride Lands founder Moses Ariama says for now the awards and event is for Wellington-based rangatahi, but he hopes to open the awards in other regions and eventually create a nation-wide event.

“We only see awards for adults but what about our young people, they achieve, overcome challenges, and make big contributions but there was nothing out there for them.”

Rangatahi, their whānau and supporters can complete nominations online at www.prideawards.org.nz between 02 May and 02 August 2011 for any of the following categories:

• Academic All Round Student Award
• Health and Fitness Award
• Team Work Award
• Creative Achievement Award
• Community First Award
• Positive Attitude Award
• Youth Leadership Award
• Overcoming Adversity Award
• Carers Award
• Bright Spark Award

The 2011 call for nominations are open for rangatahi aged 5 - 17 years old.

“It is our belief that by acknowledging young people for their accomplishments we can encourage them to believe that they can create a glowing future,” says Moses.