Welsh Youth Health Champion Luke Rees has recently attended the World Health Organisation, European Regions of Health Conference in Kaunas, Lithuania.
Luke was requested to speak on behalf of Welsh Government and Public Health Wales with the aspiration of highlighting some of the challenges young people face by living in Wales. The audience was totally inspired by Luke’s story and overall speaking ability.
The event ran over two days and was held in some of Kaunas’ most memorable and historic buildings. Over 200 people joined the event over the two days, bringing together over 40 different countries. Participants received a very warm and friendly welcome when they arrived in Lithuania and were treated very kindly and had the opportunity to sample some of Kaunas best fine dining.
As well as attending the event Luke also had the amazing opportunity to visit a local school in Kaunas. During Luke’s school visit he had the chance to spend some time visiting the schools physical education lessons and was given a VIP tour of some of their incredible sporting facilities. Whilst at the school Luke couldn’t resist taking time out to play a quick game of football with the young children at the school, yet they soon discovered he wasn’t as good as Gareth Bale.
Luke was joined at the event by Rebecca Evans AM and a representative from both Welsh Government and Public Health Wales.
Rebecca Evans AM and Minister for Social Services and Public Health stated, “Luke’ presentation was very well received, and provided inspiration to a distinguished international audience. I’d like to thank Luke for his contributions to the event and for doing Wales proud.”
Talking about the experience Luke said, “When I first started volunteering I would have never of thought I would have had the opportunity to speak about my past experiences at events in Wales. Being asked to speak at a World Health Organisation event in Lithuania was truly incredible and was an experience that will live with me forever.”
“I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to represent the young people and citizens of Wales at a global event. Being able to attend an event as big as this with so many world leading health professionals was daunting at first but the experience I gained was invaluable.