Ogre Municipality Revamps Youth of the Year Award, Adds €100 Cash Prizes

The Ogre Municipality local government in Latvia has drafted new binding regulations titled “Ogre Municipality Youth of the Year Award”, aiming to improve how young people who promote local development through initiative and active participation are recognised. The award is intended not only for individual young people but also for teams, student councils, and for people, businesses and organisations that help young people carry out their ideas. Two of the winners will also receive a €100 cash prize.

Categories

The regulations provide for six nominations and one award for supporters of young people:

• “Youth Energy for Positive Results” – for a young person who has inspired others and encouraged positive change;
• “Youth Initiative of the Year” – for an idea, project or event that created new opportunities;
• “Youth Team” – for a group of young people, a class, a collective or a sports team;
• “Student Council of the Year” – for a council that represented students' interests and improved daily school life;
• “Ogre Municipality Volunteer of the Year” – for a young person with the most certified volunteer hours over the year;
• the main prize, “Ogre Municipality Youth of the Year” – for the young person who scores highest in the “Youth Energy for Positive Results” category according to the evaluation committee;
• the “Youth Opportunity Partner” award – for a person, business, institution or organisation that has supported young people's ideas.

Winners in each nomination will receive a certificate of appreciation from the municipality and a symbolic prize. The Youth of the Year and Volunteer of the Year winners will additionally receive €100 after taxes.

Procedure

For the award, a young person is someone aged 13 to 30 with a connection to Ogre Municipality, such as a declared residence, school or workplace. Nominations may be submitted by both individuals and legal entities. The call will be announced on the municipality's website and social media, and applications can be submitted within one month, electronically, in person at customer service centres, or by post.

A five-member committee, including at least two youth representatives, will evaluate candidates. In the Volunteer of the Year category, the number of certified volunteer hours will be decisive. Winners will be announced at an annual ceremony.

Gints Sīviņš, chair of the municipality's committee for education, sport and entrepreneurship promotion, said the award helps recognise active young people and inspires others to take part in local life.