The final speech contest in the United Nations Pilgrimage for Youth will be held at the IOOF Hall in Summerland early in February.
The contest, hosted by the Summerland Faith Rebekah Lodge, will be held on Friday, Feb. 8 at 7 p.m.
It was established by the Order of Odd Fellows in 1949, four years after the United Nations was formed.
Annually the U.N. Pilgrimage brings together high school students from around the world to study and learn about the United Nations.
For young adults interested in world affairs, international relations, economics and/or political sciences this is an opportunity to observe the United Nations in person while exchanging views on education, politics and religion.
Students tour the United Nations building and listen to behind-the-scenes briefings conducted by specialized United Nations agencies and departments including ambassadors, minister counsellors and country representatives.
Each student (delegate) will participate in in-depth discussions with other young people from around the world as well as make new and lifelong friends.
In the years since it was established, more than 43,000 people have participated in the U.N. Pilgrimage.
The Odd Fellows and Rebekahs United Nations Pilgrimage for Youth program has garnered growing public attention in the United States, Canada and abroad.
The National Association of Secondary School Principals has placed this program on the advisory List of National Contests and Activities.
Tours are conducted during the summer and vary from six to 12 days in length.
Competition is open to all high school students 16 or 17 years of age with a minimum of one year of high school remaining.
The applications are reviewed by the selection committee for evidence of leadership, character, concern for community welfare, interest in world affairs and general fitness.
Each applicant is required to write an essay and participate in a local speech contest.
The competition in Summerland is for all applicants from the Okanagan Valley.