The Spirit of Try Angle Awards 2017

On Sunday 19 November 2017, we celebrated with our 24 Spirit of Try Angle finalists at the Ashford International Hotel, at the 23rd anniversary of the Try Angle Awards.

Guests were treated to an afternoon of Awards and entertainment. Hosts Princess Higgwe and Chidera Nweze made sure it was a fun afternoon and celebration - this year’s stories were truly inspirational and amazing.

The Spirit Finalists and their guests were joined by Sir Roger Gale, President of the Try Angle Foundation, Bill Butler who founded the Awards in 1994, KCC Chair David Brazier, KCC Cabinet Members Roger Gough and Shellina Predergast among many other invited guests.

The entertainment was from the amazing singer, songwriter and keyboard talent of Matt McDermott, the musical singing voice of Harry Thomas, the very talented Harrison Pettman, the amazing Jodie Wallace singing Les Mis followed by the wonderful Layomi Foyemer Coker and a finale treat by Matt, Layomi and the hosts Princess and Chidera singing ‘Ain’t no Mountain High Enough’.

The overall winner was announced by the Winter Paralympic Gold Medalist Charlotte Evans, MBE who said of the stories this year ‘truly inspirational and deserving finalists’.

The Spirit of Try Angle 2017 was a very surprised Anna Strutt, 13 from Gravesend - Anna’s story is truly inspiring and demonstrated the true meaning of the Try Angle Awards and Spirit of Try Angle. Although nominated for just one category of Personal Development her story falls across many categories. From not venturing far to one of great personal achievements, courage and always going the extra mile and forming friendships to help others. This extraordinary young person has come a long way has taken courses, achieved various qualifications and volunteers as a Senior Member at two youth clubs.

She has overcome many personal issues, and not content in helping just herself she is making a difference to many other young people. Especially a special 21 year old disabled male, helping him engage and enjoy the life she is now enjoying herself.

The Spirit of Try Angle for 2017 is the wonderful, inspirational Anna Strutt.

‘The Spirit of Try Angle’ Finalists 2017:

Personal Achievement in Arts

• Ivory Coast Class - 14-16, Shepway
• Matisse Donnelly - 19, Dover
• Luke Prowse - 16, Ashford

Personal Achievement in Music

• Harrison Pettman - 17, Gravesend
• Rob Ayers - 19, Swale
• Elijah Akinfenwa - 16, Thanet

Personal Achievement in Sports

• Hamish Reilly - 15, Maidstone
• Rhys Bonnel - 15, Gravesham
• Broadstairs Cricket Club - Thanet

Community Action

• Joseph Peal - 17, Maidstone
• Daniel Davies - 16, Swale
• Jordan Savegar - 17, Ashford

Positive Intervention

• The Abbey School Peer Mentors - 11-16, Swale
• Jodie East - 16, Ashford
• Natasha Gilmurray - 15, Dover

Courage

• Georgia Almond - 16, Maidstone
• Lucy Boyce - 17, Canterbury
• Vikram Singh - 12, Gravesham

Good Friends and Young Carers

• Tessa Villiers - 11, Dartford
• Honor Tress - 17, Tunbridge Wells
• Christina Wootton - 16, Maidstone

Personal Development

• Kristen Love - 18, Thanet
• Alfie Lee - 14, Swale
• Anna Strutt - 13, Gravesham

The History of the Awards

Introduced in 1994 to raise the profile of people aged 11-18 or who are special needs aged up to 25 in the community who really Try, often with little recognition, to do their best.

Categories

• Arts - recognising personal achievement in the arts, in any form.
• Music - recognising personal achievement in music in any form.
• Sport or outdoor activities - recognising personal achievement in a sport or outdoor activity, demonstrating sportsmanship, fair play and commitment.
• Community action - recognising the contribution made to the community or in such initiatives as school councils, youth forums, charities or environmental projects.
• Good friends and young carers - recognising those who spend time being a good friend or carer to another in their family or the local community.
• Personal development - recognising special achievement in education, training, or other activities not covered in other categories.
• Courage - recognising acts of courage displayed in coping bravely with illness or other adversity.
• Positive intervention - recognising an intervention where an individual or group has prevented harm, bullying, discrimination or damage.

All nominees received a Try Angle certificate in recognition of their nomination. District winners received a certificate and a trophy and the 24 Spirit finalists attended a celebration at the County Final.

For further information or any queries call Maria Kelly on 03000 41 02 39 or email maria.kelly@kent.gov.uk or call EHPS on 03000 42 14 06 or email EHPSBusSuppCentral@kent.gov.uk.

Try Angle Foundation Charity No 1098547