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The following is being distributed at the request of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Young Canadian Challenge:

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh to present gold to youth

On Wednesday, June 25, at 3:15 p.m., His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh will present 90 Gold Awards to young Newfoundlanders and Labradorians at a special Award Ceremony of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Young Canadians Challenge at St. Pius Xth Church, Smithville Crescent, in St. John's.

More than 500 proud parents, leaders and special guests will be present to watch each young person meet H.R.H. Prince Philip and receive his personal congratulations for successfully meeting his challenge - "Reach for your best."

Termed Canada's most prestigious award for youth, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award program encourages and motivates young people between the ages of 14 and 25 years to become involved in a wide variety of personal development activities. In this non-competitive program, youth qualify for Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards by meeting specific requirements in the areas of Community Service, Wilderness Expeditions, Skills Development and Physical Fitness.

The award program operates in more than 60 countries and there are approximately 1,500 young people registered in the program in this province. Each year award achievers are recognized at presentation ceremonies. Bronze Awards are presented by local dignitaries, Silver Awards by the Lieutenant-Governor, and Gold Awards by a member of the Royal Family or the Governor General.

The award program is operated in Newfoundland and Labrador by the Provincial Council, of which the Lieutenant-Governor, the Honourable A.M. House, is Chairman, and is administered jointly by the volunteer council and the Youth Services Division of the Department of Education. For further information about The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Young Canadians Challenge contact Youth Services Division in St. John's at (709) 729-3503.

• NOTE TO EDITORS: An invitation to the award ceremony is forthcoming in the mail. Please note: if you plan to send a media representative they must be accredited by the Royal Visit Office.

Contact Cathy Dornan at (709) 729-5539 no later than 3 p.m., Friday, June 13, for accreditation.