NEW AWARD HONOURS OUTSTANDING YOUNG PEOPLE

A new Saskatchewan Youth Award will recognize young people who have made significant contributions to Saskatchewan through personal accomplishments.

"The province is alive with bright, innovative and talented young people," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "This new award will provide a very public display of this government's appreciation and recognition of the great things that these young people do to make Saskatchewan such a great place to live."

Young people between the ages of 15 and 24 are eligible for the Youth Award and can be nominated for projects or achievements for up to one year prior to the nomination.

All nominations will be adjudicated by an independent committee, comprised of members of the Saskatchewan Honours Advisory Council and two youth. Each year, four or five nominees will be recommended.

Those chosen to receive the award will demonstrate a broad range of achievements and endeavours, including, leadership, voluntarism, innovation, artistic or cultural accomplishments, academic excellence, athletics and other outstanding personal achievements.

"Every day youth in our province take on active leadership roles in their communities and demonstrate that young people can pursue a future right here in Saskatchewan," Provincial Secretary Glenn Hagel said. "This new award shows our appreciation for the diverse perspective and talents our young people bring to the province."

The nomination deadline is December 31. To obtain a nomination form, or to get more information on the Saskatchewan Youth Award, people may call toll-free 1-877-427-5505 or go online to www.gr.gov.sk.ca/protocol.

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For More Information, Contact:

Donna-Rae Munroe Government Relations Regina Phone: 306-787-2155 Email: dmunroe@gr.gov.sk.ca Cell: 306-529-8631