You can take the members out of Yorkshire...
You can take the members out of Yorkshire...
You can take the members out of Yorkshire, but you can’t take the Yorkshire spirit out of the members!
I am still buzzing after the exceptional European Conference in Malta last week. The whole of the UK delegation did an excellent job of making themselves visible and representing our National Organisation, however, called me biased, but I think the members from Yorkshire took it one step further! One of my personal goals as Yorkshire RGC this year was to bring back the passion I remember being displayed by Yorkshire members when I was Local President in 2010. Between them, Yorkshire members engaged in all parts of the conference; Trainings, Community events, business tours, excursions, and the odd social event or two!
So here are just a few things they were getting up to………
Before the conference even got started, Immediate Past National President and Yorkshire member, Emma Eastwood, was out in Malta training on the European Growth and Development Academy.
Yorkshire members, Ben and Ilona, made up two thirds of the JCI UK debating team who made it all the way to the final of the European competition! They all did a fantastic job and we’re really proud of the whole team.
Yorkshire members, Debbie and Joe, represented the UK in the Row 4 Nets Canoeing Community event.
Yorkshire members Mark, Gareth and Ryan, along with three National Board Members, National President Kate, Dan and myself, represented JCI UK in the Beach Better Community event. We had the opportunity to clean up the ocean and help leave Malta in a better condition than when we arrived. I’ve never known a Community project to be so much fun and to have such an instant sense of gratification.
There is no way I could not mention Yorkshire member, Mark Smith, who, in case you weren’t aware, WON THE AWARD FOR BEST MEMBER IN EUROPE!!!!! Mark also joined in the JCI Quiz as part of the Morning Show on the first day of the conference.
It was Yorkshire member, Debbie Worthington, who, as JCI UK International Director, coordinated everything for the whole delegation. I’m sure everyone agrees that she did a great job.
To top it all off, I’m not sure that I’ll ever forget the sound of the Region’s members chanting ‘Yorkshire, Yorkshire’ whilst stood on the stage at the Gala dinner. It was a fantastic end to a great conference and it was a clear demonstration that the pride and passion of the members in Yorkshire is alive and well.
They’re not a bad looking bunch are they? They scrub up pretty well!
I have come back from Malta so happy and energised by the passion and energy demonstrated by these members. I got to spend time with old friends and make fantastic and lasting connections with new friends. I am so grateful for the opportunity to work so closely with them and I’m even more excited about the rest of the year.
Katie Ogley
JCI Yorkshire Regional Group Chairman
By
By Mustapha Salami
