June 1st deadline looms for Commonwealth youth video contest

Young people and performers have less than a month to submit entries to a YouTube video competition organised by the Commonwealth Secretariat to showcase the passions, opinions and musical talents of all regions of the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth Video Contest, which closes on 1 June 2010, is open to citizens across the association of independent states. The winners receive a trip from their home country to Marlborough House, headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat, in London, UK, for International Youth Day on 12 August 2010.

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Will Henley, project manager of the contest, said the aim is to celebrate the enormous breadth of talent and diversity in the Commonwealth, as well as to help young people highlight issues of concern to them, such as poverty, human rights or climate change.

"To enter, you simply need to be passionate about something. You might be passionate about an issue, want to demonstrate your musical talent, or wish to talk about your local community or culture. The contest allows people to air their views and also allows singers, bands and dancers to gain greater recognition on the international stage," he said.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma, welcoming the project at its launch late last year, said: "Science, technology and society is the Commonwealth's theme for 2010. So it makes sense that we harness the internet, one of the most revolutionary of recent technologies, for a competition to celebrate the diversity of the modern Commonwealth."

Notes to Editors:

· The most original, inspiring or entertaining video will earn the Best Commonwealth Video award and a netbook computer or iPod.

· The singer, musician, dancer or band responsible for the best musical video will be crowned Best Commonwealth Band/Artist and receive £200 worth of Amazon vouchers.

· The winners of both categories each gain the trip to London for International Youth Day.

For more information, please visit: http://www.yourcommonwealth.org/

Kevin Nellies, Tel: +44 (0) 20 7747 6378 k.nellies@commonwealth.int

Omnea Said, Tel: +44 (0) 20 7747 6462 o.said@commonwealth.int

Secretariat Links:

• Find out more about the Commonwealth's work with young people

Related Websites:

• Your Commonwealth website