The Young Kennel Club (YKC) is seeking nominations for the next Shaun McAlpine Outstanding Young Person of the Year, which will be awarded at the world's biggest dog show, Crufts 2016.
Through five different categories, the prestigious award acknowledges and highlights the positive contribution that YKC members make to the world of dogs. The categories are[i]:
• Young Braveheart of the Year: Recognising young people who
have overcome personal barriers with their dog to achieve
success.
• Champion Volunteer of the Year: Recognising young people who
give up their time to volunteer to help others.
• Good Buddy of the Year: Recognising young people and their dogs
who have proved themselves to be good role models.
• Sporting Talent of the Year: Recognising young people who
demonstrate a real passion for competing with or training their
dog.
• Fundraiser of the Year: Recognising young people who raise money
for good causes.
Previous winners of the annual competition have been selected for
their volunteering and fundraising for dog charities, helping
organise dog activities in the local community, and assisting
others through training, stewarding and mentoring.
Shortlisted nominees for each category will be invited to Crufts
2016 for a special presentation ceremony where the overall winner
will be announced and will receive £750 which will be used towards
helping them progress their love of dogs.
Young Kennel Club Chairman, Gerald King said: "The Shaun McAlpine
Award is a highlight of my year. Every year we hear about
outstanding commitments, work and the journeys of our members, and
the awards provide us with the opportunity to showcase and honour
the wonderful work they do.
"The 2015 winner was a prime example of the dedicated and caring
YKC members. Ollie Beckett won 'Fundraiser of the Year' after
raising nearly £1,000 for the UK Bullmastiff Rescue and Adoption
charity with his 'Pledge a £1 for Alfie fund', following the
dreadful plight of a cruelly treated rescue Bullmastiff who
suffered horrendous injuries and passed away."
The award is the highest level of achievement for young dog
lovers. For over twenty five years, Ed and Cindy McAlpine have
presented the Shaun McAlpine Outstanding Young Person of the Year
award in memory of their son. The trophy is awarded annually to
encourage young dog lovers to become more involved in dog
activities, as Shaun himself had achieved considerable success as a
dog handler.
Anyone can nominate a YKC member in one of the Shaun McAlpine
Outstanding Young Person of the Year award categories by submitting
the application online from now until January 10th 2016.
Once nominations have been revealed, the general public will then
decide the winner via an online vote on the YKC website (http://www.ykc.org.uk/content/our-awards/young-person-award/).