Christchurch Youth Compete For $10,000

Wednesday, 26 September 2012, 2:57 pm
Press Release: YMCA

Christchurch Youth Compete For $10,000

The YMCA of Christchurch this year commemorates 150 years of community service. As part of the celebrations, and in deference to their strong youth development focus, the YMCA of Christchurch this weekend hosts their inaugural Youth Talent Quest.

First prize is $7,000 cash with second and third prizes being $2k and $1k respectively.

Over 50 acts auditioned for a place in the Live Final which will be held at the Celebration Centre in Aranui this Saturday night (29th Sept). “The standard is really high. I expect that some of these young people will be seen and heard a lot in the next few years as professional performers. If we can give them the platform and leg-up that they need to get ‘discovered’ that is fantastic. ” Said Leoma Visser from the YMCA.

The night will be MC’d by Ronnie Taulofo (TV2 What Now Presenter) and guest judges include Lucy Balfour from the Royal NZ Ballet and Youth Court Judge Noel Walsh.

“This is all about showcasing our local young talent.” Said CEO Josie Ogden Schroeder. “After 150 years, I estimate that the YMCA of Christchurch has made a difference to the lives of over four million young people through the provision of a wide range of programmes and developmental opportunities. The event and the prize money is our little celebratory way of ‘giving back’ to our community.”

The event has been organized on a shoe-string budget with the time and energy of YMCA staff, Mai FM (the event’s key sponsor) the MC and judges all given free. “This event is for young people, community focused and volunteer driven – the essence of what our organization is all about.” Ogden Schroeder said.

The YMCA chose a venue in Aranui so as to provide something positive in the East side after the difficult few years this part of town has had since the earthquakes.

Entry is via donation at the door. All are welcome and it will be a night appropriate for family entertainment.

The venue is The Celebration Centre, 81 Bickerton Street, Aranui. Doors open 6pm and show starts at 7pm.

The YMCA of Christchurch is a Charitable Trust which is in its 150th year of community service. The YMCA works in a range of sectors – including outdoor education, health & fitness, recreation, accommodation, early childhood education, youth training, youth development and camping. The YMCA vision is ‘Building Strong People, Strong Families, Strong Communities.’

ENDS

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