Unveiling of the Dalian Atkinson memorial bench, Trench Pool, Telford.
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00:00 [Background noise]
00:23 So thank you Councillor Davis and also to Dalyan's family for unveiling the bench in Dalyan's Memorial.
00:30 I think Trevor, who made the bench, is attending today, which he is, so he's just here in front of you.
00:36 Thank you so much for your work Trevor, it is absolutely beautiful and I think a real lasting tribute to him
00:41 and a place where people can look out across the water and be inspired.
00:45 So I'd now like to invite Sonia Roberts MP, who is the trustee of Shropshire Community Foundation
00:52 to share some very exciting news on how they're planning to build on Dalyan's legacy.
00:56 Sonia.
00:57 [Applause]
01:04 I normally bring a little box with me.
01:07 Hello everyone. Today we celebrate the life of Dalyan through the unveiling of this Memorial bench
01:13 in recognition of Dalyan Atkinson, the local lad, the football legend.
01:19 But it's my pleasure to announce the legacy that Shropshire Community Foundation, together with Dalyan's family,
01:25 will be establishing through the Dalyan Atkinson Legacy Fund.
01:30 A legacy that will honour a local lad, a local legend, to empower our younger people in the future.
01:38 Shropshire Community Foundation connects those who care with causes that matter.
01:44 We connect those who are able to give with those most in need of their support across Shropshire.
01:51 The Dalyan Atkinson Legacy Fund envisage is a future where all young people from ages 5 to 25
02:01 in Telford, Reikin and the surrounding area to have an equal access to participate in football and in other sports.
02:10 It has been proven that sport can empower young people to navigate life's challenges
02:16 and become engaged and positive members of our community.
02:21 The fund, which has been initiated by Paul and his family, aims to honour his legacy
02:27 by empowering the next generation of young athletes.
02:33 Undoubtedly, Dalyan faced challenges in his life and today young people face a myriad of challenges
02:40 that can often seem unsurmountable.
02:43 In a world that's quickly changing, pressures from academia achievements to the complexities of having social relationships,
02:53 they are confronted with a host of obstacles that can impact their physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.
03:01 In a world that has become increasingly interconnected, social media and digital technology has brought about new challenges for young people.
03:12 They are subject to cyber bullying, online harassment, the constant pressure to portray a perfect vision of themselves.
03:21 Economic uncertainty, rising inequality and limited access to opportunities brings disillusionment for our young people,
03:29 a sense of hopelessness as they witness the growing divide between those that have and those that have not.
03:37 They face issues with their mental health.
03:41 Research on mental health in young people shows their concerns over the climate.
03:48 But more than ever, young people are subject to substance abuse, peer pressure, county lines
03:55 challenges that leave them vulnerable and isolated.