Calling all senior school students - Gallipoli looming

Senior secondary school students have the chance to travel to Gallipoli for Anzac Day commemorations by entering The National Bank RSA Cyril Bassett VC Speech Competition.

Registrations for the competition opened on 31st January, 2011 for New Zealand Year 12 and 13 students. Entrants will initially compete in regional competitions (11th-13th March, 2011), and then a national final at the National War Memorial in Wellington on 30th March 2011. Among the prizes is a trip to Gallipoli for the national winner to commemorate ANZAC Day.

ANZ New Zealand Managing Director Retail, Kerri Thompson, said the bank was pleased to announce it had extended its sponsorship of the prestigious secondary school speech competition for another five years.

“The National Bank, like the rest of ANZ New Zealand, has a long and proud history here dating back to 1840, with many of our people serving in wars overseas - including our former staff member Cyril Bassett VC. We take great delight and pride in helping make this competition a success. It’s an honour to partner with the RSA to promote amongst young people a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by the many kiwis who have served New Zealand overseas.” 

RSA Chief Executive, Stephen Clarke, said the competition involves RSAs throughout the country, 140 Year 12 and 13 students took part in The National Bank RSA Cyril Bassett VC Speech Competition in 2010, its inaugural year, and the standard was impressive and a credit to the young people and schools involved.

“We expect this level of interest to continue. The National Bank RSA Cyril Bassett VC Speech Competition enables the RSA to carry the flag of remembrance to new generations providing youth with a direct connection to their heritage and the veteran community, and for the competition’s winner, an experience they will never forget,” he said.

Prizes 

As well as the trip to Gallipoli for the 2011 Anzac Day commemorations, the national winner will also be awarded a $1000 travel fund, a trophy, a laptop computer and digital camera.  The eight regional winners will receive $1000 prize money in a National Bank account, $1000 for their school, and a place in the national finals. 

About The National Bank RSA Cyril Bassett VC Speech Competition 

The National Bank RSA Cyril Bassett VC Speech Competition is a tribute to Cyril Bassett, VC, (1882-1983), the only New Zealander at Gallipoli to be awarded the Victoria Cross in World War 1, and a career-long staff member at The National Bank.