FOLLOWING a tremendous campaign Derry-Strabane have narrowly missed out on the 2019 European Youth Capital title.
Novi Sad in Serbia was awarded the winning destination at the European Youth Forum’s Council of Members meeting in Varna on Wednesday 16th November.
For the past 15 months thousands of young people participated in the EYC19 campaign taking part in workshops, activities and events to develop and shape the EYC19 bid.
The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council,
Alderman Hilary McClintock speaking from Boston on a North West Trade Delegation expressed her disappointment at hearing the news, ‘There is no doubt that I am disappointed at the news particularly after all the hard work that’s gone into the campaign but I want to reassure all our young people that all this work will not be lost.
‘We have heard the voices of our young people and we need to ensure all their needs and priorities are reflected in the Community Plan.
“I will be asking officers to prepare a report for Council outlining how we can build on the momentum of the EYC19 campaign so that we have a clear pathway for future participation of young people in key strategic projects. I would like to wish Novi Sad, Serbia every success with the title.
The Mayor continued: “‘I am so proud of our young people and everything they achieved through this campaign. Not only have they shone the light on their own talents and creativity but they have also raised the profile of our city and district.
‘By putting their thoughts, beliefs and aspirations into the campaign we can now build on this to help shape the future of our Council area together. Well done to all involved, it’s been a great effort and you should be very proud with what has been achieved.’
Oonagh McGillion, Director of Legacy at Derry City and Strabane District Council added, ‘Despite our disappointment we are very proud to have got this far in the competition. This is testament to what our young people can achieve.
‘The entire Council area will still benefit from this campaign. We have shown Europe that our youth related cultural, social, political and economic life is on a par with Europe’s most progressive places for young people to live, learn, work and play and this campaign will benefit our city and district in the long term.
‘I would like to thank our youth ambassadors, the bid team and all our partners especially the Education Authority for their dedication, support and hard work. Our youth have been at the centre of this campaign and without their suggestions, creativity and vitality we would not have reached the final in this competition. We look forward to building on what we have achieved and embedding this amazing programme into the Community Plan.’
Derry City and Strabane District Council will be revealing details in the coming weeks on its celebration event in January 2017 to acknowledge the efforts and hard work of those involved in the campaign, details on this will be made available at www.derrystrabane.com.
The 2019 European Youth Capital winner was announced at the European Youth Forum’s Council of Members meeting on Wednesday November 16th.
For more details on the Derry City and Strabane District Council EYC bid, visit www.eyc19.com or e-mail [email protected].
