The Young Scottish Minority Ethnic Awards honour Bashir Ahmad MSP.

June 22, 2009 - PRLog -- Bashir Ahmad’s son Atif Bashir said: “I would like to thank Oceanic and all those involved in the YSMEA who have decided to honour my father by naming the ‘Spirit of Scotland’ award after him. To recognise the fantastic contribution made by the brightest talent in the minority ethnic community with the Bashir Ahmad Spirit of Scotland Award is an incredibly fitting tribute to my dad.

“Our father always stressed the importance of honesty and integrity in anything we do. I have no doubt that the winners of all these awards will continue to follow this example and be bright lights in our community for the future.”


“When the Young Scottish Minority Ethnic Awards were inaugurated in 2008 Bashir Ahmad lent his support whole heartedly to the initiative, he recognised the positive impact the Awards could have when it comes to how the minority ethnic youth in Scotland view themselves and how they are viewed in the public forum. Naming an Award in his honour is our way of saying thank you to Mr. Bashir for his support and guidance not only in regards to the Young Scottish Minority Ethnic Awards but also for his unwavering dedication to bettering Scotland’s social and political landscape.” Angela Bennett, Group PR Manager for the Oceanic Group


The Young Scottish Minority Ethnic Awards highlight the value of Scotland’s youth from all minority ethnic backgrounds; to recognise and reward those who have inspired others and positively contribute to life in Scotland.

The Young Scottish Minority Ethnic Awards:

1.   Acknowledge & highlight the achievements of young Scots from minority Ethnic backgrounds

2.   Educate the general public with examples of youth achievement.

3.   Encourage & motivate young Scots from minority Ethnic backgrounds at all levels in their chosen field of endeavour.

4.   Develop a sense of pride in being Scottish.

5.   Build self-confidence through rewards for excellence.

6.   Provide role models & mentors for our youth by highlighting their achievements and the pursuit of excellence.

7.   Develop and encourage leadership and life skills in young Scots

The Awards recognise the achievements of Scottish minority ethnic youth in the following categories: Community Contribution; Best Arts Contribution; Sports Achievements; Friend of the Environment; Career Achievement; Future Political Force; Science & Technology/Engineering Initiative; Apprentice of the Year; and The Bashir Ahmad Spirit of Scotland.

Young Scots from minority Ethnic backgrounds aged between 14 and 26 years are eligible for nomination. The nominations are open on Monday the 22nd June and will close at the end of August – nomination forms are available on the online at www.whozthedaddy.info.

Around 200 people are expected to attend the second annual Young Scottish Minority Ethnic Awards in September – guests will comprise of individuals, community leaders, public officials and businesses with an interest in youth activity.

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