Top prizes for local youngsters

TWO local deaf children have excelled in the annual Young Authors and Artists Competition.

Nathan Gibson, aged 15, from Craigavon, came first in the annual competition, organised by the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS), the leading charity supporting deaf children and young people in the UK.

Nathan, who goes to Lismore Comprehensive, came first in the creative writing category for age 14 and over.

Eve Canavan, aged 4, who goes to Drumnamoe Nursery School, won second prize in the visual art category for age 4-8.

The Young Authors and Artists Competition was launched by Bob McCullough of the Belfast Telegraph in the early 1980s, providing a forum for deaf children and young people to express themselves through creative writing and visual art.

This year’s theme, My World, gave children an opportunity to tell their stories by using a range of mediums, including paint, collage, photography and creative writing.

Stacey Kilpatrick, NDCS Arts Officer UK, said: “The Young Authors and Artists competition is the largest of its kind in Northern Ireland. It aims to inspire deaf children and young people to get creative and use art as a means of expression.

“The standard of this year’s entries into the Young Authors and Artists competition was quite outstanding, and we’re extremely impressed by the efforts of all the children that took part.

“Deafness makes it harder for children to communicate, which can be very isolating. Projects like this in Northern Ireland help deaf children develop their interpersonal skills and self-confidence.”