Darren Rampersad
Koriella Espinoza has been declared the first ever Angostura Champion at an awards ceremony which was held at the House of Angostura, Eastern Main Road, Laventille, on December 7.
The House of Angostura announced five finalists for its inaugural Angostura Champions Award for Community service—Christopher Dennis, Elspeth Duncan, Donald McLean James, Frank Edwards, and Koriella Espinoza.
Launched this year, Angostura Champions is an annual awards programme initiated by the company to celebrate individuals who perform outstanding community service and work toward improving the lives of others in T&T. The awards programme aims to showcase the chosen champion's exceptional contributions to society thus encouraging a sense of service.
This year's winner Koriella Espinoza is the founder of Korie's Kids, an organisation which supports and empowers children diagnosed with cancer and their families.
Christopher Dennis, who has been operating a youth coaching programme called Fool's Can't Surf for over seven years, has been motivating young people in Balandra and the surrounding areas through sport.
Elspeth Duncan is a dedicated animal rescuer and animal welfare activist who is active in Tobago.
Donald McLean James is the founder of the Professional Barbering School which mentors young people and provides free haircuts for those in need.
Frank Edwards is the founder and manager of the Morvant Football Academy which has built camaraderie among young people in the community for over a decade.
Angostura awarded all finalists with $10,000 funding towards their community service. The overall winner, Espinoza received an additional $40,000.