YMCA Black Country Group is asking local people to vote for one of its inspiring young people ahead of a prestigious national youth awards ceremony.
The local youth charity, which has operated in the Black Country has nominated YMCA young person, Clotilda Tigere as Young Achiever of the Year in Youth Matters Awards 2019.
Youth Matters is the YMCA’s national awards programme that has been an integral part of the charity’s calendar for the past decade.
Clotilda Tigere is up against four other young people from across the country within her award category. Other award categories are Young Leader of the Year, Young Campaigner of the Year, Young Volunteer of the Year, Young Worker of the Year, as well as two special awards with winners chosen only by the judges, Red Triangle Award and We Believe Award.
Clotilda Tigere has been entered for the award because of the amazing progress she has made. When she was referred to the Open Door 
project a little over two years ago, she was struggling at school and lacked confidence. She is now waiting to take her place at Keele University to study Medicine. This would be an incredible achievement for any young person but even more so considering the challenges that she has faced.
The online public vote runs until midnight on 26 August. Votes cast by the public will be combined with the judges’ choices and the three finalists will be announced at the beginning of September. All the finalists will attend the ceremony at the exclusive venue, 8 Northumberland Avenue, in central London, where the winner will be announced.
Clotilda Tigere, said: “I am really excited to be nominated for such a significant award and to have reached this stage. My life has changed so much since getting involved with YMCA and I hope everyone will support me and vote. To make it through to the final would be incredible.”
Rachael Taylor, Supported Lodgings Manager, YMCA Open Door Project, said: “We are so proud of Clotilda and all that she has achieved. She is an incredible young woman who we feel really deserves to win this prestigious award.”
Youth Matters celebrates the outstanding skills and achievements of young people from across the country. It also recognises the vital work that YMCAs deliver every day to help transform the lives of young people and give them a brighter future.
The Young Achiever of the Year Award recognises the exceptional achievements of a young person who has overcome significant obstacles to make a real difference to their lives and their community.
Vote for YMCA Young Achiever of the Year 2019 at www.ymca.org.uk/vote and follow YMCA England & Wales on Twitter to join the conversation using #YMCAYouthAwards
For more information on Youth Matters, visit www.ymca.org.uk/awards.
