YOUNGSTERS in North Wales could win the chance to visit the Falkland Islands as part of a competition to commemorate the 40th anniversary of its liberation.

The Falkland Islands is a British Overseas Territory that was famously invaded by Argentina’s military junta on April 2 1982, resulting in a ten-week conflict in which British forces regained control of the island, forcing Argentina’s surrender.

The competition being held in its memory is a key part of a programme between the Falkland Islands Government, led by their office in London, and academics from the University of Exeter, University of Newcastle and the Royal Holloway University, London.

North Wales Pioneer: A memorial on the Falkland Islands dedicated to members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service who died when the RFA Sir Galahad was sunk.A memorial on the Falkland Islands dedicated to members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service who died when the RFA Sir Galahad was sunk.

It offers eight places to students in the UK aged between 16 and 18 (in February 2023) to secure a place on a trip to the South Atlantic archipelago, where they will be accompanied by academics and have the opportunity to explore the Islands and meet Islanders, as well as some of the 1,000,000 penguins and 450,000 sheep.

Clwyd West MS Darren Millar said it was a great opportunity for members of this generation to learn more about the Islands’ history.

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“This is a fantastic opportunity for 16 to 18-year-olds to win an incredible trip to the Falkland Islands,” said Mr Millar.

“For many people, the Falkland Islands have become inextricably associated with the Falklands War which took place in 1982, ending with the eventual liberation of the islands by a British Task Force.

“However, there is so much more to these remote islands and this competition provides an opportunity for 8 lucky winners to experience for themselves the islands’ culture, history, and extraordinary natural environment.

North Wales Pioneer: 649 Argentinian military personnel, 255 British military personnel, and three Falkland Islanders died during the 10-week conflict. Photo: Richard Kendrick649 Argentinian military personnel, 255 British military personnel, and three Falkland Islanders died during the 10-week conflict. Photo: Richard Kendrick

“I encourage all eligible young people to enter the Falklands Forty School Competition.”

Eligible students are asked to answer the following question: What do the Falkland Islands mean to you?

Their answer can be in the form of a film, podcast, essay or poster and the deadline for submissions is July 31, with all eligible submissions to be judged by a panel led by adventurer, author, and television personality Ben Fogle, an enthusiastic supporter of the Falklands.

The video that launched the competition:

MORE: Falklands veterans back on islands to assist survey of battlefields