Organisers of the sold-out Ascona Child of Wales Awards 2026 are calling on friends, families and communities across Wales to nominate young people who are passionate about protecting the environment, ensuring their efforts are recognised on a national stage.
Now in its fifth year, the awards celebrate the extraordinary achievements of children and young people across Wales, culminating in a prestigious, star-studded ceremony on 2 October at the Swansea Building Society Arena.
With nominations open until 30 June, organisers are particularly keen to see more entries in the Young Environmental Champion category which is sponsored by Carmarthenshire-based LBS Builders Merchants.
LBS joint managing directors Ben and Rachel Davies said: “Children are our future. Regardless of their background or the challenges they face, every child deserves the opportunity to thrive and lead a fulfilling, active life. LBS are proud to support these awards and help raise vital funds for two outstanding charities.”
The Environmental Champion award recognises young people who have shown exceptional commitment, innovation or leadership in helping to protect and preserve the natural world. It could be through campaigning, community action or inspiring others to make a difference.
Founder of the awards, Blanche Sainsbury, says Wales is home to an incredible generation of young environmental champions, whose efforts deserve wider recognition.
“We’ve already received some fantastic nominations across all the other categories, but we’d like more that recognise young people who are passionate about the environment. Every year we see the most inspiring examples of children taking action whether that’s campaigning to reduce plastic waste, organising clean-up initiatives in their communities or finding creative ways to support others while helping the environment,” she said.
“Some have influenced national change; others have made a difference quietly in their local area but all of them show just how powerful youngsters can be when they care deeply about something.”
Previous nominees have included campaigners tackling plastic waste, volunteers organising litter picks and beach clean-ups, plus individuals turning everyday waste into practical support for those in need.
“These stories are incredibly powerful,” Blanche added. “What might start as one small idea can grow into something that inspires thousands. We want to make sure those stories are heard and celebrated.”
Last year’s Environmental Champion was 15-year-old Skye Neville who inspired thousands through her campaign to remove plastic from children’s comics, influencing retailers and driving environmental action in schools across the UK. Her story is told in this video: Skye Neville – Environmental Champion 2025
The free-to-enter Ascona Child of Wales 2026 awards are open to individuals under the age of 20 who live in, or were born in, Wales. Alongside recognising environmental achievement, the awards celebrate courage, creativity, leadership and compassion across 12 different categories.
Winners, along with their families, will be invited to attend the awards ceremony at the Swansea Building Society Arena. As part of their prize, they will also receive a break at Bluestone Wales holiday park in Pembrokeshire, and anyone shortlisted will be presented with a day pass.
For full details of each category follow this link: Categories | Child of Wales Awards
And to nominate, click here: Nominate | Child of Wales Awards
Nominations close on 30 June 2026.