A group of 14-year-old students from Bournemouth School for Boys and Bournemouth School for Girls got together, called themselves Team Dragon and submitted their enterprising idea to Bournemouth YMCA’s Shoreideas social enterprise initiative. They proposed organising a talent competition for young participants between the ages of 8 and 21 to demonstrate their performance talent and at the same time raise funds in support of the Downs Syndrome Association.
Supported by their mentor, Bournemouth Councillor and YMCA CEO, Blair Crawford the young entrepreneurs have negotiated the use of the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre, courtesy of BH Live, for their grand final to be held on Sunday May 4th 2014. They secured sponsorship from Ridgeway, Bournemouth. Hallmark Hotels have agreed to host the auditions on April 3rd, 4th and 5th and local entertainer and CBeebies star Chris Jarvis will be hosting the final show. Councillor Crawford / YMCA CEO said, “ Young people often get bad press. It has been an absolute privilege to work with Team Dragon and to help them realise their dream while supporting such a worthwhile cause as the Downs Syndrome Association. It has been hard work and a lot of valuable lessons have been learned but I am sure that the grand final will give us all a night to remember.”
Team Dragon are now encouraging talented young people to enter their competition. Singers, Bands, Dancers, Comedians, Magicians and in fact any young people with performing talent are being encouraged to enter. Each participant is encouraged to apply on line through the Shoreideas website at www.shoreideas.co.uk There is an entry fee of £5 per participant and friends and family can spectate by paying £1.00. Those selected to go though to the grand final have the opportunity to perform at the iconic Pavilion Theatre Bournemouth on May 4thand stand to win a top prize of £200 and a range of other awards. Tickets for the grand final priced at £11 and £9 concession rate for OAP’s and young people under 16 be booked online. All proceeds will support the Downs Syndrome Association and the Shoreideas charity.
