LONDON, 2014-6-27 — /Travel PR News/ — Eurostar, the high-speed passenger rail service linking the UK with mainland Europe, has announced that its popular Have your say on sustainability competition is now open for entries, giving the future generation of voters the chance to share their views with MEPs in Brussels.
In partnership with the Young People’s Trust for the Environment (YPTE) the competition invites 11-18 year olds to create a short video clip sharing their views on the environment. Three lucky winners will be given the unique opportunity to travel to the European Parliament in Brussels to air their views in front of an audience of MEPs.
Since the annual competition launched two years ago, MEPs have been challenged by budding young politicians on a range of topics from marine fishing and fracking to recycling and public transport. A short film telling the story of the 2013 European Parliament visit can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03DAMeXesq0 In addition to the Brussels trip, winners will stand to receive £250 vouchers for their school to spend on technology equipment at Curry’s or PC World and return Eurostar tickets to Paris for four people.
Have your say on sustainability is part of a three-year collaboration between Eurostar and the Young People’s Trust for the Environment – a national charity that supports free, accessible education on environmental issues for young people and schools. The partnership with the YPTE forms part of Eurostar’s Tread Lightly programme, designed to encourage people to travel responsibly and reduce the impact of the business on the environment.
Luke Ervine, Head of Environment and Energy at Eurostar commented:
“We are proud of this initiative to encourage young people to have their say on sustainability in the European Parliament, and very much look forward to watching this year’s video entries. Every year we are inspired by the quality of ideas that the winners share with us and their passion to safeguard their planet for future generations. ”
Peter Littlewood, Director of the Young People’s Trust for the Environment said:
“Our partnership with Eurostar has encouraged many young people who really care about the environment to pick up their camcorders and smartphones to give us their views. We are really excited to see the brilliant ideas ‘Have Your Say on Sustainability’ will bring us in 2014. This is a great way for young people to have an impact and to discuss the environmental issues that matter to them with Europe’s key decision-makers. I hope that many will choose to take part.”
The competition runs from 25th June until the 24th October. Individual and group entries are accepted. For more information on how to enter and hints and tips on what to include in an entry, visit: eurostar-ypte.com
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Notes to Editors:
About Eurostar
- Eurostar is the high-speed train service linking St Pancras International, Ebbsfleet International, Ashford International, Paris, Brussels, Lille, Calais, Disneyland Resort Paris, Avignon and the French Alps.
- Eurostar was established in 1994 as a partnership between three railway companies: SNCF, SNCB and LCR (London and Continental Railways). On 1 September 2010, Eurostar became a single, unified corporate entity owned by three shareholders: SNCF, SNCB and LCR.
- The current Eurostar train was first introduced into service in 1994 carrying 750 passengers and operating at speeds of up to 300kph. Since then, the fleet of 28 trains has carried more than 130 million passengers between London and the Continent. Following their refurbishment these trains will continue to form a core part of the Eurostar fleet.
- Eurostar is a founder member of Railteam, a partnership between Europe’s leading high-speed train operators that is developing simpler ways to book and travel on the fast-expanding, European high-speed rail network.
- Eurostar and Eurotunnel are entirely separate companies. Eurostar operates high-speed passenger trains, while Eurotunnel operates vehicle shuttle services and the Channel Tunnel itself. Eurostar is Eurotunnel’s biggest customer.
For more information:
Eurostar Press Office
020 7843 5500
press.office@eurostar.co.uk
About The Young People’s Trust for the Environment
The Young People’s Trust for the Environment (YPTE) is a registered charity that was established in 1982. It became a charitable incorporated organisation in 2013. Its aim is to create a better future by inspiring young people to look after our world.
www.ypte.org.uk
01935 385962
Registered Charity number 1153740