This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Neighbourhood Kids face the Gruff and Grizzly Challenge
04/08/1999
Environment Minister Sarah Boyack today welcomed projects which challenge children to help transform their local communities - and gives them the chance to win the holiday of a lifetime doing it.
The Grizzly Challenge and Gruff Kids programme gives children across Scotland the chance to improve the quality of life in their area, through imaginative and fun-packed programmes which reward teamwork and responsibility. Whether it is landscaping gardens, refurbishing buildings or transforming playing fields, the children are encouraged to be bold and creative in their approach.
Meeting previous winners of the Challenge at the Craigmillar Arts Centre in Edinburgh, the Minister said:
"I've seen for myself today how the enthusiasm and skills of local children have transformed the Craigmillar Arts Centre.
"The Gruff and Grizzly scheme is encouraging youngsters throughout Scotland to look at their own surroundings and decide for themselves what they could do to improve things.
"In past years, the results have been both varied and imaginative. Here in Craigmillar local people now have a much more attractive community facility which also has the benefit of being more accessible to people with disabilities. From talking to them, it is clear that the members of the Craigmillar winning team had a lot of fun developing it. That is what these competitions are all about - having fun while learning.
"Across Scotland, other teams are currently busy working on new projects as part of this year's competition. As well as the marvellous prizes for the winners, the projects will demonstrate that everyone can win when we put some effort into looking after our environment. Whether it's building mazes, converting double decker buses or creating fruit and vegetable gardens, there is probably something happening in your local community."
Twenty-three teams from across the country will develop projects to benefit the local community and natural environment. The Grizzly Challenge is for 14-18 year olds; the Gruff Kids for 10-13 year olds. Now in its ninth year, the challenge has involved more than a 1000 young people in projects which have made a positive impact on their communities.
BACKGROUND
1. The Grizzly Challenge and Gruff Kids are sponsored by BP Amoco and organised by Youth Clubs Scotland. Teams consist of three to five members plus an adult support worker.
2. Winning teams each win a holiday of their choice, and there are £1000 worth of runners-up prizes. The Minister hopes to be able to present the prizes to the winners at the grand final in November.
3. The 1996 winning team from Craigmillar Out of School project installed disabled facilities and completely refurbished the grounds of the Craigmillar Arts Centre. The team chose Orlando and Antigua for their dream holiday. After the thrills and spills of the Florida theme parks, the group was treated to splendid Caribbean hospitality with a pirate cruise, barbeques and preparations for a local carnival. They also witnessed the eruption of the Monserrat volcano.
News Release: SE0222/99
4 August, 1999