Challenge yourself

Teenagers are putting their skills and talents into practice in a youth challenge which was launched this week.

The We Are Cork Youth Challenge gives those from 13-18 an opportunity to explore their creative capabilities and acquire a new skill or refine existing talents.

Cork Education and Training Board (CETB), working with other agencies and voluntary bodies, is coordinating the provision of a range of initiatives for young people in 2021 and the We Are Cork Youth Challenge is one such initiative.

The challenge will see more than 50 challenges set across music, arts, society, environment, sport and technology with participants asked to complete 20 tasks and record their experiences for others to see by downloading Microsoft’s Flipgrid app and social media channel, which will be moderated by CETB.

The challenge began on Monday and will run up until the start of August. The Lord Mayor of Cork City Cllr Joe Kavanagh and Mayor of County Cork Cllr Mary Lenihan Foley launched the challenge virtually on Monday.

A special Lord Mayor and County Mayor’s medal will be presented to each successful participant and various challenge spot prizes are available for the most creative and exciting challenges.

The Lord Mayor Cllr Joe Kavanagh said: “Travel restrictions, the widespread cancellation of activity programmes and sports have made this a very different year for many young people.

“Cork ETB has moved quickly to help fill the void, and I encourage as many teens as possible to participate in what will be a fun and worthwhile experience.”

The Mayor of Cork Cllr Mary Linehan Foley said: “The challenge represents a great way for younger people in Cork to be proactive in their own self-development as they continue to thrive during this academic year. We hope that many Cork teenagers will get involved, focus their energies on the challenges and have some fun in the process.”