THE 14th Annual Service Above Self Surrey Youth (SASSY) Awards were presented on Tuesday, May 7 to close off a fun-filled week of B.C. Youth Week activities and events throughout the city. The awards took place at Surrey Arts Centre and celebrated 41 nominees in six award categories.

“It is my pleasure to congratulate all of the passionate youth recognized in the 14th annual SASSY Awards,” said Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke. “Thank you to all the award recipients for the work you do to make our city a better place and for inspiring the next generation of community leaders. It is your commitment and energy that will moves us forward towards an even brighter and better Surrey. Thank you also to the sponsors, performers, volunteers and youth leaders who stepped up to support this important event.”

Awards were presented to three finalists in the categories of Arts and Culture Leadership, Community Service, Environmental Leadership, Youth Leadership, Overcoming Adversity and Sports and Recreation Leadership. The award recipients of each category received $1,500 along with a $500 donation to present to a charity of their choice. The two finalists in each category both received $500 to honour their achievements in the community as well as a $250 donation to present to the charity of their choice.

Presented by Semiahmoo Rotary Club along with the City of Surrey, the 14th annual SASSY Awards featured Harley Chappell from the Semiahmoo First Nations for an Indigenous welcome, and headlining performances by Richard Tichelman alongside youth performances happening throughout the evening. Proceeds from the SASSY Awards support Rotary youth programs like Interact and Rotaract, where youth from our community lead projects locally and globally to help make the world a better place. Any surplus proceeds generated from the event support special youth projects in the community and future SASSY awards.

For more information, visit sassyawardssurrey.ca