WINNIPEG - May 30, 2008: His Royal Highness The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, KG, KVCO, SOM, will recognize the personal achievements of 81 participants of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, at a ceremony on June 3, 2008. As part of the Royal Visit to Winnipeg, The Earl of Wessex will preside over the ceremony where 80 Gold Awards will be presented to young people from Manitoba, and one from Saskatchewan. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award was created in 1963, and is open to youth between the ages of 14 and 25. Founded on the premise that young people growing up today face many personal difficulties for personal achievement, the Award is designed to stimulate and encourage self-reliance and discipline, perseverance and determination, initiative and creativity, community responsibility, and fitness of body and mind. As part of the programme, each participant sets his or her own goals and achieves them through individual effort. In order to earn a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award, participants must undertake a programme of activities or challenges in the areas of voluntary service, development of a skill or hobby, physical fitness and an outdoor expedition. Following completion, participants receive a pin and certificate on behalf of The Duke of Edinburgh to mark their achievement. Since the start of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, more than 100,000 able, disabled and disadvantaged young people have participated in the programme. They are supported by more than 2,500 volunteers, leaders and assessors across Canada, along with 500 additional volunteers who serve on the organization's national, provincial and divisional boards and committees. His Royal Highness The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, is the Chair of the International Council of the Award Programme. Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, is the National Chairman and His Honour, the Honourable John Harvard, Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, is the Chairman of the Manitoba Division Council. The ceremony will be hosted by the President, National Directors and The Manitoba Division Council of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Media Particulars: The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, presentation will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2008, 10:00 am, Midway/West Ballroom, The Fairmont Hotel, 2 Lombard Place, Winnipeg, Manitoba. A raised media platform will be available as a stationary position for video and still cameras. Media are requested to remain in this area until the ceremony concludes. One-on-one interviews with the Award Recipients will be allowed at that time. Pool sound and lighting will be provided. Contact: Marion Jagger Executive Director Manitoba Division (204) 988-3016 Email: manitoba@dukeofed.org Web site: http://www.dukeofed.org/mb