Youngsters nominate heroes for Abu Dhabi Award 2013

Abu Dhabi: Thousands of youngsters across the emirate have been nominating their personal heroes for the Abu Dhabi Awards 2013.

The awards, which have 56 winners so far, was launched in 2005 to reward those who have contributed positively to the Abu Dhabi community.

Children as young as six as well as university students have been heading to nomination stands and going online to put forward people they feel have really made a difference to Abu Dhabi.

Among them was Emirati teenager, Zahra Lari, who made history when she became the first female to compete internationally in figure skating.

“This is all about local heroes who do not usually get recognition being made to feel special and it is great to be involved,” said Zahra, who made her nomination along with other members of the Abu Dhabi ice skating team.

“It was also fantastic fun to get the nomination drop box onto the ice and have everyone making a nomination,” she added.

The Abu Dhabi Awards fleet has been on the road since April 21 when nominations opened, travelling to schools and universities across the entire city of Abu Dhabi.

Volunteers will continue the youth programme until nominations close on May 31 with permanent stands also remaining in busy student locations such as Zayed University.

Youngsters in Al Ain and the Western Region are also getting involved by nominating those who are doing good deeds in the local community.

“I nominated one of my teachers who has helped me so much in the last year,” said Calum Wilson, a nine-year-old pupil.

Members of the public tend to nominate prominent public figures and the awards would like to recognise individuals such as parents and teachers, Gulf News reported earlier.

Entries will be accepted until May 31 and throughout this period, 11 manned booths, 90 drop boxes, a mobile touring fleet and the awards website will all be available for people to make their nominations.

Citizens and residents alike can nominate people they think have made a difference to their community. More information can be found online at abudhabiawards.ae