Competition to find best young country sports writer of year

Competition to find best young country sports writer of year

18 April 2018

CHILDREN who love the great outdoors are being asked to put their creative talents to the test in an all-new search to find Northern Ireland’s young country sports writer of the year. 

Downpatrick man Albert Titterington, director of the hugely successful Great Game Fair, believes the competition will help children to develop an interest in all things rural. 

“The future of the countryside doesn’t lie with us adults, but with our kids, so it’s vital that we help them learn to respect, understand and enjoy our great outdoors,” he said.

“I had the privilege of being introduced to country sports as a youngster growing up in Co Down. That early passion for the countryside and rural heritage has developed throughout my life, giving me immense pleasure and providing the foundation for my career.”

Albert said he is always eager to ‘pass on the baton’ to new generations and is delighted to launch the new challenge to encourage young people aged between 5 and 15 to write about their best ever countryside experience. 

“The subject could be as simple as a walk in the snow, or a great family holiday by the sea,” Albert explained. “It  could even be a ‘one that got away’ fishing tale. Whatever it is, we’re looking forward to reading the children’s perspectives on nature.”

The competition’s full prize package offer includes countryside books from Coch-y-Bonddu, a day’s fishing at the Birchwood Fishery in Omagh and a family day out at the Irish Game Fair at Shanes Castle in Antrim on June 23 and 24, with a special instruction session from expert angler, Mark Tierney, at the Fair’s famous kids’ put and take lake.  

“Most exciting of all, the winner will have the opportunity to see his or her story in print in Irish Country Sports & Country Life, Ireland’s largest rural interest magazine,” Albert added.

Full details of how to enter the competition can be found at irishgamefair.com. Stories, together with photos or drawings to illustrate them, should be sent tocountrysportsandcountrylife@btinternet.com on or before May 21. All applicants must have permission from their parent or guardian to enter the competition.