GRADUATES from the October 2012 NCS Norfolk programme were given a special surprise on Thursday, as Norwich City goalkeeper John Ruddy gave up his time to present certificates and special awards at their final celebration event.

The young people in attendance were thrilled to meet one of their Canary heroes as Ruddy gave out awards including best-dressed, funniest moment and the bed head prize.

The City number one was introduced to several of the young people and chatted about their social action projects that took place at the end of last year.

Participants that completed the October scheme for Year-12s with the Community Sports Foundation (CSF) and its partners, took on voluntary work such as restoring a Girl Guides’ hut, serving teas and coffees to homeless people and a variety of fundraising activities for the CSF Sporting Light Appeal, which provides sporting opportunities for disadvantaged people and those with disabilities.

The residential trip took place in Stowmarket during October half-term and included team-building activities such as kayaking and abseiling and during the graduation, young people were able to watch a highlights video from their time away.

Afterwards, there was a chance for graduates to have their picture taken with Ruddy as a souvenir of the night, before the dance floor was opened to the sounds of the fantastic DJ Platinum.

Staff that worked on the October programme spoke at the event of the enjoyment that each had taken from watching the young people develop during their NCS experience.

Paul Sykes, NCS Project Officer at the Community Sports Foundation said: “I take my hat off to all of the young people for the way they conducted themselves, respected their peers and staff and developed during the programme. You could clearly see how they had already matured into young adults in such a short space of time.”

Saskia Bayliss, who took part in the October programme said in a speech at the event: “I signed up just for something to do in the half term break, but it became so much more than that and I could never have anticipated just how special the experience would be. I would thoroughly recommend NCS to anyone who is the right age to take part.”

Recruitment has begun for the NCS summer and October programmes and more information can be obtained by contacting the NCS team in the CSF office on 01603 761122 or by emailing info@communitysportsfoundation.org.uk

NCS GRADUATES CELEBRATE WITH RUDDY

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