FOUR young people from the Okehampton area were among those who recently completed a week of adventure activities including sailing, mountain biking and abseiling. The youngsters were among 18 successful candidates from various parts of Devon and North Cornwall who, last week, successfully faced a variety of challenges on the residential course at the Youth Hostel Association Adventure Centre in Okehampton. Kirsty Siddall, Sarah Parnell, Nick Browne and Phil Reynolds gained the Rotary Youth Leadership Award for taking part in the intensive residential training programme. Each member of the group had, at some stage during the week, acted as leader - under the supervision of qualified YHA staff. All candidates were sponsored by their local Rotary Clubs having been interviewed and selected for the residential course. The initiative for the first RYLA for 16-18 year-olds in Devon was taken by the Rotary Club of Okehampton, which was assisted in sponsorship of the four participants by the Okehampton Educational Trust. The Rotary Club hopes this will become an annual event and that more Clubs across Devon will join in sponsoring young people to give them the opportunity of taking part in this challenging and rewarding experience. At a recent ceremony at the Octagon Theatre, in the company of parents and friends, each member of the group was presented with a certificate of achievement by Rotarian Denis Watts, governor of district 1170 of which the Rotary Club of Okehampton is a member. Before the presentation, the audience saw photographs taken during the week showing the participants in action. Okehampton Rotary Club president Ian Courtenay said the candidates had risen to each and every challenge they had faced ? often stepping well outside their ?comfort zone?. He said: ?They can justifiably be proud of what they achieved and I congratulate them on their success.? Mr Courtenay also acknowledged the essential part played by the YHA Adventure Centre, and the input of centre manager John Elson, who together with James Rigano and his dedicated team of instructors ensured the week was testing but enjoyable. Any young person in the Okehampton area between the age of 16 and 18 on September 1, 2007 is free to apply to the Rotary Club who will consider them for sponsorship for the RYLA next year.
