Oscar Style CATS Awards Evening

Over 350 people attended the 4th CATS awards evening recently held at St Mellion International. This successful event was hosted by Callington Community College and Saltash.net Community School and was supported by Devon & Cornwall Police, Youth Cornwall, Extended Services and a variety of other local organisations

Inspirational local sports stars were in attendance to present the young people with their awards, including goalkeeper Romain Larrieu from Plymouth Argyle and international boxer, Q Shillingford, Marrion Sutton Olympic athlete, Ann Luke veteran runner, Phil Pring Atlantic Rower, and Chris Lamley, Downhill Mountain Biker.

The athletes were interviewed and were able to share their experiences with the audience and they all emphasised the importance of volunteers in their respective sports. The young people enjoyed listening to their stories and were inspired by their recognition of the value of volunteers.

Over 170 young people received an award ranging from a Level 1 award which is the first step into volunteering to Level 5 which was achieved by a particularly hardworking student from Saltash.net Community School, Connor Brady, which is the first ever Level 5 award presented by Callington and Saltash CATS. The levels are awarded according the level of responsibility and involvement by the young person.

For the first time this year a Young CATS Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Jessica Tait from Callington Community College.  Jessica received four separate nominations for her voluntary work which included her work with St Johns Ambulance, the Cubs, Launceston Rugby Club and Delaware Primary School.  Jessica is only 12 years old but the time she commits to volunteering is an inspiration to all young people.

The CATS Volunteer of the Year Award for 2011 went to a group of students who have been instrumental in setting up the Friday Night Project.  This is delivered in Callington and the aim of the project is to give the young people of Callington something to do on a Friday night.  The group run two café nights a month and organise a once monthly big event. The students are currently in the process of organising a ‘Valentines Party' which will take place at Callington Town Hall on Friday 11^th February.

Students from Callington received awards ranging from Level 1 to Level 4.  These included a group of girls who were involved in the Feeling Good Looking Good project, which helped to promote healthy active lifestyles with local primary school children. Several groups of students were involved in Force in Action speed watch, litter picks, Callington Carnival and the international inspirations project.

Director of the Sport Partnership at Callington Community College, Michelle Roberts said:

Once again the awards evening has been a major success and the young people of Callington and Saltash have been recognised for the positive difference they have made in their local community.  Their success has been celebrated in style and I hope that all those awarded will continue with their volunteering