Nominations sought for worlds most outstanding people

The hunt is on for British people who have made an outstanding contribution to society, as leadership organisation, JCI UK, calls for nominations for The Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) of the World 2005.

TOYP, which is open to anyone who meets the criteria*, recognises the achievements of ten individuals between the ages of 18-40, who have demonstrated the best attributes of the world’s young people.

JCI UK, part of the global leadership organisation, Junior Chamber International (JCI), is searching for British nominees to take part in the first round of this international competition. Up to 10 national winners will be invited to an Awards Ceremony at the JCI UK National Conference in Portsmouth in September. Their winning entries will also be entered at an international level, where they will compete with other nominees from around the world.

An international panel of distinguished judges will then select the 10 Most Outstanding Young Persons in the World. They will be invited to participate in a very special ceremony at the 60th JCI World Congress in Vienna, Austria, from 24-29 October 2005. Travel and accommodation costs will be covered for all 10 finalists.

Among the categories are: business; entrepreneurial accomplishment; political / academic / legal / cultural achievements; moral / environmental leadership; contribution to child, humanitarian or voluntary issues; and scientific and medical innovations.

Julia Lea, JCI UK’s National President, says: TOYP is in line with the spirit of our organisation - to develop and cultivate tomorrow’s leaders and to challenge and inspire young people from around the world. It recognises those who have demonstrated good leadership skills, and who represent progress in all types of human endeavours, no matter what their status in life.

If you know anyone who has made an outstanding contribution to society, please download the application form by visiting website www.jciuk.org.uk, and clicking onto ’TOYP’, or contact JCI UK on tel: 01476 404005 for a form. But hurry, the deadline is 13 May 2005.