Online voting for "Youth and the Oceans – The Artworks Competition" , is now open on the IOI-Kids website. This local painting competition for children and youngsters under the age of 16 has provided our younger generations with the opportunity to use their creative and artistic abilities, to put forward specific messages that relate to the sea, and to make their name and talents known. The response was excellent, with 300 participants from two main age groups, ages 5 to 10 and ages 11 +.

Visitors to the website have until the 15 th September to vote for their favourite artwork from the best 30 (i.e. 15 per age group) that have been shortlisted so far by the Selection Panel.  A total of two artworks may be voted, one from each group.

At the end of September, the Selection Panel will meet once again to confirm the final winners. Prizes will be awarded to the best two artworks from each age group together with a number of token gifts to other participants. The overall best 5 artworks will also participate in an international competition for possible publication in the International Ocean Institute's "Children and the Sea" album, which will be distributed in at least 27 countries. The local awards will be presented to the winners in November and a number of artworks will be on exhibit for the public.