Op Bang Challenge Results
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On the run up to Halloween and Bonfire Night 2023, North Wales Police and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service teamed up to launch a competition for young people across North Wales.
Op Bang Challenge offered young people a chance to give back to their community and be in with a chance of winning some fantastic prizes for themselves or their club. It was also a great way for young people to get together with their friends and help out in their local area.
There were a number of different challenge ideas to spark some inspiration, and we’re pleased to say we had lots of fantastic entries from across North Wales, all from young people with great ideas on how to better their communities.
We know you’re itching to know who the winners were, so here they are!
1st place winners were Summerhouse After School Club in Rhyl
The youngsters in the club raised £300 by scoring 6,666 goals in their play area. They used this money to donate MP3 players to a local care home who look after people living with Dementia. They were awarded £750 as prize winners – da iawn Summerhouse After School Club!
Second place went to Porthi Dre community group in Caernarfon who won £500.
This group designed and printed posters for Trick or Treat. They then visited lots of homes in the area to offer their posters and to provide positive interaction from the young people with their community.
Glan Conwy Rangers came third, winning £250
The Rangers cleared and replanted the community remembrance garden ready for remembrance day.
We couldn’t decide between these two entries, so they were both awarded with joint 4th place
Ysgol Penygelli in Coedpoeth (bottom). The Eco club conducted litter picks in the area and involved the local retired community.
Ysgol Alexndra from Wrexham (top). The pupils created Trick or Treat posters and a Halloween safety comic strip for other children.
Sergeant Beth Jones from North Wales Police Prevention Hub said “We were delighted to receive so many varied entries to our Op Bang Challenge 2023 this year which ran over Halloween and Bonfire weeks.
All of our finalists have demonstrated some great community work and should be proud of their achievements. We will be running more challenges for groups of youngsters aged 4-18 years this year so if you would like to enter your group look out for the promotions later in the year.
I am extremely grateful to PACT and North Wales Fire and Rescue for joining us to provide this opportunity”
Business Fire Safety Manager Andy McLaren from North Wales Fire & Rescue Service said “We were pleased to see so many groups getting involved this year. All entrants put a lot of time and effort in completing their entry, with the entries varying so much and demonstrating a real community spirit.
It was great to work in partnership with North Wales Police and Pact on this competition again this year - coming together to help protect our communities.”
Dave Evans, North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT) said; “It has been fantastic to see all the work that young people have doing across North Wales as part of the Op Bang Challenge this year.
It was a privilege to be part of the judging panel and be able to go and meet the winning groups. On behalf of PACT and our board of trustees I would like to congratulate all the young people who took part in this year’s Challenge and put so much effort into their community projects.”