Bexhill Lions Youth Club 2009 Awards

The awards, which were held at a glittering ceremony at the Cooden Beach Hotel, were presented to to the representatives of the six youth groups who had been selected to receive funds.

Speaking at the ceremony, David Burstow, President of Bexhill Lions Club said among the wide range of projects which the Lions are involved with, they also recognise that the "youth of our nations are our future."

He added: "Youth projects include Youth Exchange,Youth Camps, various international youth competitions, such as the annual Peace Poster contest, and in Bexhill we have our own very special Youth Awards. With this year's awards Bexhill Lions will have donated almost thirty thousand pounds to young peoples groups in our town. We are always impressed by the work the groups are doing; all led by very dedicated leaders.

"Our Youth committee, under the Chairmanship of Lion Eddie Bell, had the difficult task of trying to decide the best homes for our available funds from the record number of applicants."

The youth groups selected to receive awards were:

Bexhill Air Cadets. To help purchase equipment for training the increasing numbers of cadets in the local Squadron.

Glencoe Football Club. For portable goals to be used by their Mini soccer teams.

St Mary's Tri Club. To purchase IT equipment to aid training to help members reach even higher triathlon standards.

Bexhill Cricket Club. To buy cricket balls so more children can practice without having to wait to share.

Bexhill Bouncers. Towards the cost of a new trampoline, to help with increasing numbers training to compete in national competitions.

Bexhill Town Youth Football Club. For new kit for the under 16s to use in competition games.

Following the presentations, David said he hoped that, funds permitting, there will be more Bexhill Lions Youth Awards in 2010, adding:

"Also next year, in May 2010, we will have something new to look forward to '“ the first Bexhill Lions Triathlon. This will be a Sprint distant Triathlon, but also with a shorter option for younger competitors, so perhaps some of those here may consider entering. Full details can be seen our web-site, www.bexhill-triathlon.co.uk"

Recently nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, there are 45,000 Lions clubs throughout the world with 1.3 million members, serving in 202 different countries, making it the largest service organisation in the world.

For more information visit the website at:www:bexhill.lions105se.org