Applications Open for 'Selija Silver 2026' Award; New Category 'Jaunsudrabiņš' for Active Youth
The fifth edition of the 'Selija Silver' competition has started, honoring individuals who strengthen the historical region of Selija. This year introduces a new category 'Jaunsudrabiņš' for active youth aged 13 to 25.
The call for nominations has been announced for the 'Selija Silver 2026' competition, which will take place for the fifth time. This competition honors people whose work and initiatives strengthen the historical land of Selija.
This year, a new category called 'Jaunsudrabiņš' has been introduced for socially active youth aged 13 to 25. The name references writer Jānis Jaunsudrabiņš, who was born in Selija. In this category, young people can be nominated who actively participate in community life, entrepreneurship, or promote Selija through their achievements. One winner will receive a Selija wolf mascot, specially sewn by craftswoman Sandra Pontāga based on a design by artist Ieva Svarāne.
Any resident or organization in Selija can submit a nomination. Candidates must be described in a literary work (essay, story, poem, play, or other genre) of 1–3 pages. The aim is to introduce the public to people who contribute to the growth of Selija or its smaller communities. Laureates who best meet the competition's values, as well as the authors of the submissions, will be recognized.
The three main laureates will receive a silver brooch with a wolf silhouette, made by jeweler Ranta Roga. Last year's winners were Vanda Rimša from Ilūkste, Stefans Rāzna from Bebrene parish, and Daina Alužāne from Rubene parish Slate. Previous winners have come from various places in Selija.
The award ceremony will take place on September 27, 2026, at the 6th Selija NGO Forum at the Viesīte Culture Center 'Selija'. Applications must be submitted by September 4, 2026, at 23:59, via email to info@selija.com or by handwritten mail to Liepu iela 20, Aknīste, Jēkabpils novads, LV-5208. The full regulations are available at selija.com.
The patrons of the competition are Skaidrīte Medvecka from Aknīste parish and Jānis Subatiņš from Asare parish. The event is organized by the association 'Ūdenszīmes' and the community cooperation network 'Selijas salas' as part of the project 'Selija Smart Region Strategy Implementation. Place, Culture, Innovation.' Financial support is provided by the Society Integration Foundation from state funds under the 'NGO Fund' program.
