The 2009 UK J8 team,
One From Many, receive the news that they will represent young people from the UK at the J8 Summit in Italy in July.
Photo: Channel 5 News
On Thursday 30 April, 40 young people from all over the UK descended on UNICEF UK's offices for the J8 selection day.
The day was covered by Channel 5 News, and after an introduction by Andy Bell, Channel Five political commentator, and a presentation from last year's winning team, the ten teams had five minutes each to tell the judges and the other shortlisted teams why they are passionate about global issues and want to attend the Junior 8 summit 2009.
The teams got the chance to discuss the J8 issues with a group of experts and then took part in a group activity to show team dynamics and each individual's decision-making skills.
The day was extremely inspiring and all the teams showed commitment and enthusiasm. It was a tough choice for the judges! But after much deliberation the winning team was chosen and the winner is (drum-roll...):
Team One From Many!
Team One From Many are Harry Phinda, Birzi Saleh, Melika Myers and Sara Saleh from Croydon. Meet the team.
WELL DONE!
Take a look at the team's reactions when they found out they'd won the competition in this 5 News report.
And here's an interview with Andy Bell about the selection day:
Lura France, Head of Youth at UNICEF UK said: "We are delighted to be able to have the team from Haling Manor as our J8 representatives. The competition was extremely tough, but we were very impressed by their ability to communicate complex issues in a very human way, their innovative approach to problem solving and their team work with others and as a group. They should be very proud of all their hard work and we look forward to getting ready for the J8."
Congratulations to Team One from Many and thanks to all the teams that participated in the event. If you didn't make it, don't despair as there will be plenty more opportunities for you to get involved with UNICEF. Watch this space!