Posted on 27 June 2011
Inspire Wales Awards 2011
A glittering ceremony in Cardiff’s City Hall on Friday marked the second Annual Inspire Wales Awards. The University of Wales sponsored three of the 11 categories showcasing the role Welsh figures play in encouraging active citizenship and promoting their communities.
Present at the ceremony were 33 finalists, all vying to win the top spot of their respective categories. The evening was co-organised by the Institute of Welsh Affairs and the Western Mail.
The Educator 2011 Award, sponsored by the University of Wales, was awarded to Gail Griffiths, managing editor of Pontypridd-based music magazine Plugged In, which is completely run by volunteers.
Mrs Griffiths, who also runs workshops to help young people find work, said: “This is recognition for all the hard work that’s gone into giving these kids a chance.”
Professor Anthony K Campbell won the Science & Technology 2011 Award, also sponsored by the University of Wales, after almost 40 years of researching bioluminescence and generating £20m for the Welsh economy.
The expert, who founded a science centre in Pembrokeshire aimed at children, said:
“All those years ago people were asking, ‘What’s that crazy guy investigating luminescence for – what use could it be?’ Well, now they know!
“I want to work with the University of Wales and the Welsh Government to excite young people’s curiosity, to stimulate and investigate – to take them out of the classroom and into the field and bring back questions about their discoveries and open major new fields.”
Former English teacher Aran Jones of Pwllheli, and Iestyn ap Dafydd of Hengoed, won the Global Wales 2011 Award - the final category sponsored by the University of Wales.
Both Mr Jones and Mr Dafydd work for SaySomethinginWelsh.com and set up the internet site for those who, regardless where in the world reside, want to learn Welsh and now have over 15,000 learners. They plan to use it to teach other languages.
Mr Jones said: “It shows that Wales is watching what’s going on around the world.”
For information about the winners of the other categories: http://www.iwa.org.uk/inspire/
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For more information on The University of Wales please visit: www.wales.ac.uk
For press and media information, please contact Tom Barrett, Communications Officer, University of Wales: t.barrett@wales.ac.uk