RYLA 2014

District 1100 RYLA 2014

The 3rd of August saw the presentation of the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) for the 38 candidates who successfully completed District 1100's challenging RYLA course for 2014.

The two Rotary clubs of Royal Wootton Bassett worked together to find and sponsor two candidates. Our selections were Michael Roshier and Charlie Woodall who joined other chosen youngsters aged 16-18 all sponsored by their local Rotary clubs. At the presentation, each participant proudly took to the stage in front of their sponsors, friends and family to describe how they had overcome fear and trepidation to take part in the six-day course.

Alongside the physical activities such as canoeing and climbing, they also had group tutorials. Taking historic references such as Shackleton to illustrate, these tutorials were used to equip the candidates with skills for team building and leadership. They were also given an insight into the work of Rotarians worldwide and an inspirational talk from the charity ShelterBox.

To help appreciate the challenges faced by fundraisers, the participants were sent into nearby Monmouth to raise funds for a charity of their choosing. Their spontaneous efforts managed to raise more than £200 in just a morning - a tremendous achievement.

As team representatives took to the stage one by one they all told of new friendships made, challenges faced and new skills learned. The underlying message was mostly of what they had learnt about themselves.

Once again this course has inspired a generation of our local youngsters to realise their potential and to take the lead when needed. Well done to all participants!