DRUMQUIN TEENAGERS SET FOR TRIP OF A LIFETIME
Drumquin teenagers set for trip of a lifetime
BY TOMMY NETHERY
tnethery@ulsterherald.com
TWO Drumquin teenagers, who lost a relative in the!998 Omagh bomb atrocity, are set for the trip of lifetime to the USA.
Aiden and Orla Skelton, whose auntie Mena was killed in the horrendous town centre bombing on August 15, along with 28 others and unborn twins will fly out to the States tomorrow (Friday).
The brother and sister make the week-long trip as part of Project Common Bond, established by Tuesday's Children, an organisation that was set up to address the needs of those who lost loved ones in the September 11 (2001) attacks on the World Trade Centers, the Pentagon and Washington DC.
Project Common Bond, is the first international community organisation for teenagers who have lost relatives in a terrorist incident. Aiden and Orla were accepted onto the programme after contact had been made with the Families Moving On victims group, based in Campsie in Omagh. which will shortly move to new premises on the Dublin Road, close to the town centre.
The group's treasurer Billy Jameson described how the invitation materialised.
"As everyone knows we engage in a range of activities for all age groups affected by the Troubles, including activities for the young," said Mr Jameson.
"Contact was initially made from the offices of the America Consulate Peter McKitterick and it went from there.
"There was a strict criteria but after a lot of organisation Aiden and Orla will travel with two teenagers from Fermanagh and two from Dundalk. They fly to Washington DC on Friday and will spend a week with other young people of a similar age who have been similarly affected by terrorism around the world. The climax of the week will be a trip to the White House.
Kevin Skelton, chairman of Families Moving On and uncle of the lucky teenagers, said not only was the trip a fantastic opportunity but it also represented recognition of the hard work and dedication of the group which he said put particular emphasis on the young.
"Our group is all about moving on and obviously that involves young people," he said. "This opportunity for Orla and Aiden is further evidence that we are getting noticed on the world stage."
As for Orla, 19. and Aiden, 18, whose dad is former Tyrone goalkeeper Aiden Skelton, they can't wait to get on the plane. "I can't wait, really excited, " said Orla
Brother Aiden added, "I'm so looking forward to some good weather and, of course. the trip to the While House. It's a great opportunity for us. A trip of lifetime."
BY TOMMY NETHERY
tnethery@ulsterherald.com
TWO Drumquin teenagers, who lost a relative in the!998 Omagh bomb atrocity, are set for the trip of lifetime to the USA.
Aiden and Orla Skelton, whose auntie Mena was killed in the horrendous town centre bombing on August 15, along with 28 others and unborn twins will fly out to the States tomorrow (Friday).
The brother and sister make the week-long trip as part of Project Common Bond, established by Tuesday's Children, an organisation that was set up to address the needs of those who lost loved ones in the September 11 (2001) attacks on the World Trade Centers, the Pentagon and Washington DC.
Project Common Bond, is the first international community organisation for teenagers who have lost relatives in a terrorist incident. Aiden and Orla were accepted onto the programme after contact had been made with the Families Moving On victims group, based in Campsie in Omagh. which will shortly move to new premises on the Dublin Road, close to the town centre.
The group's treasurer Billy Jameson described how the invitation materialised.
"As everyone knows we engage in a range of activities for all age groups affected by the Troubles, including activities for the young," said Mr Jameson.
"Contact was initially made from the offices of the America Consulate Peter McKitterick and it went from there.
"There was a strict criteria but after a lot of organisation Aiden and Orla will travel with two teenagers from Fermanagh and two from Dundalk. They fly to Washington DC on Friday and will spend a week with other young people of a similar age who have been similarly affected by terrorism around the world. The climax of the week will be a trip to the White House.
Kevin Skelton, chairman of Families Moving On and uncle of the lucky teenagers, said not only was the trip a fantastic opportunity but it also represented recognition of the hard work and dedication of the group which he said put particular emphasis on the young.
"Our group is all about moving on and obviously that involves young people," he said. "This opportunity for Orla and Aiden is further evidence that we are getting noticed on the world stage."
As for Orla, 19. and Aiden, 18, whose dad is former Tyrone goalkeeper Aiden Skelton, they can't wait to get on the plane. "I can't wait, really excited, " said Orla
Brother Aiden added, "I'm so looking forward to some good weather and, of course. the trip to the While House. It's a great opportunity for us. A trip of lifetime."
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/2030
Published Date: 21-Jul-11
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