It has often been said that the media gives youngsters a bad rap by focusing too much on the failings of today’s generation, rather than celebrating their achievements.

Well, let’s right that wrong here with June’s edition of Rotary Digital by turning the spotlight sharply on some talented young men and women from across Great Britain and Ireland who took part recently in the finals of Rotary youth competitions.

These are shining tales of achievement, from the amazing feats performed by the winners of the Rotary Young Citizen Awards, to the tremendous talent shown by the finalists in the Rotary Young Chef, Youth Speaks and Young Musician competitions which were held in Alcester, Manchester and Norwich.

From local heats through to national finals, Rotary offers a range of competitions for young people. There is also Rotary Young Environmentalist, Young Artist, Young Writer, Young Photographer and Young Filmmaker competitions.

These Rotary showcases offer an opportunity for participants to share their talents and skills, gaining both confidence and experience, while challenging themselves in a fun and friendly environment.

After all, one of Rotary’s leading commitments is to offer young people the platforms and opportunities for them to unlock their potential, develop their skills and broaden their horizons.

There are many other opportunities for young people through Rotary:

• RotaKids - community activities for children aged 7-12
  
• Interact - volunteering for young people aged 12-18
  
• Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
  
• Rotary – Developing Future Leaders programmes
  
• Rotary Youth Exchange
  
• Rotary Youth Camps
  
• Technology Tournaments - for STEM learning
  
• Potential scholarships and funding for further education studies
  
• Volunteering opportunities
  

For more details about the Rotary competitions, visit our website.