Truly Inspirational
The Inspire Awards were truly inspirational.
It was the second year of the award ceremony which was established to recognise and celebrate the phenomenal contributions that some children, young people and adults make to their schools and communities.
International rugby union referee Nigel Owens was asked to present the awards and managed to put into words some of the things that the rest of us were all feeling. That it was an honour to be there, listening to the stories of some of the most inspirational people in Cardiff. People who go that extra step to support and help their piers, making their schools and communities a better place to live. People that we could all learn something from.
Nigel Owens opened his speech by talking of a time when he himself was bullied. Today he came across as a successful, charismatic and engaging individual, yet he confessed that without his friends and people around him that had helped him when times were tough, he wouldn’t be here today.
The winners of the awards were people that provided that very support that Nigel spoke about. Danny from Llysfaen primary who supports a fellow classmate with Downs Syndrome, Lee from Glyn Derw High who’s set up an after school club for pupils who’ve experienced bullying, Sonia a teacher from Oakfield primary who works hard to boost pupils self esteem and Catherine who set up the Caterpillar Project. These people are all truly inspirational yet they were just the winners. All the runners up had similar stories, all people who’ve had the courage to stand up for and support others who are being bullied, taunted, isolated and ignored by others.
It’s anti-bullying week this week and the theme of the week is ‘Free to be me’. In just four words it says so much. We should all have the freedom to go out, go to school,play, learn, laugh, love and be ourselves.
A truly inspirational day.
The Inspire Awards were put on by Cardiff Against Bullying and were combined with the Cardiff Stop Bullying Awards. The ceremony was attended by local schools, young people, community groups, the Lord Mayor, Councilor Freda Salway, international referee Nigel Owens and many others.
Info Education In School 11-16 Bullying
1 Comment – Post a comment
neilramsden
Commented 66 months ago - 18th November 2010 - 15:12pm
Well said! Out of interest, In those photos there are two girls who are proud to be veggie, one person proud to be ginger... and the Lord Mayor proud of being a hooligan? Is that the right message to send out?!