From the 25th April to the 3rd of May, James Hodgkinson from Queensland and Jasmyn Heinen and myself, both from South Australia, were privileged to represent Australia at the FIP Youth contest in Nuremberg, Germany, on the occasion of the International Philatelic Exhibition, Ibra 99. James and Jasmyn were selected by the Australian Philatelic Federation as the youth participants, after outstanding results at both national and international competition and I was chosen as the team leader. Other countries represented at the youth contest were Germany, Austria, Poland and Portugal, each of whom had two teams and Japan, South Africa, Russia, Switzerland, Albania and Romania, who were represented by one team.

The FIP youth contest consisted of three parts. The first part was conducted at the youth hostel, where all the participating countries were staying, on Monday 26th April after lunch. It required the participants to prepare a four sheet mini exhibit on a subject of the country's own choice, within a time limit of four hours. Unlike many of the other countries who chose to compete their mini exhibit on railways, because the subject of the competition was "Railways throughout the ages", Australia chose to do theirs on the koala, a subject unique to Australia.

This proved to be very popular with the judges and other competing nations, who made several pleasant remarks regarding Australia's exhibit.

Unfortunately, the first part of the contest resulted in much confusion with some countries bring completed or partly completed exhibits with them, while other countries such as Australia had done nothing except plan the exhibit. Some countries had also brought all the necessary equipment needed to complete the exhibits, while other countries presumed it would be supplied. Additionally, it was during part one of the contest that the team leaders learnt they were to have no contact with the youth participants while each part of the competition was being conducted. In fact we were required to leave the room which I found quite disappointing.

Both the second and third parts of the FIP youth contest were conducted on Thursday 29th April. The second part of the competition, the multiple choice questionnaire on the subject "Railways throughout the ages", was also conducted at the youth hostel. However, in the afternoon we went to the Ibra philatelic exhibition, where the youth participants completed the final section of the contest at the youth platform which was located near the youth activities corner in hall number 10 of the exhibition centre. The purpose of this was to give the general public the opportunity to see the process of producing an exhibit, since this part of the contest required participants to prepare a four sheet mini exhibit on the subject "Railways throughout the ages" using philatelic material supplied by the FIP youth contest organising committee. Once again participants were given four hours to complete the exhibit.

The three teams to compete in the finals on Saturday the 1st May were selected on Friday night. There were required to complete another multiple choice questionnaire on the subject "Railways throughout the ages". The winners were then announced at a competition presentation ceremony, which was held at the youth hostel. Switzerland won the competition, followed by Germany and Austria. Every other country in the competition was given fourth place.

On behalf of the Australian team, I would like to thank the FIP youth contest organising committee for putting on the youth contest on the subject "Railways throughout the ages" in conjunction with the International Philatelic Exhibition, Ibra 99. For the most part we found the competition very well organised and enjoyed the activities that were programmed for us. We are grateful for the help members of the organising committee gave us when at times we had difficulty understanding the German language.

Additionally, I would like to thank Linda Lee for her contribution in preparing the trip to Nuremberg, the Australian Philatelic Federation and the South Australian Philatelic Council for their help in financing the trip and Australia Post for kindly providing us with Australia Post uniforms. I feel the trip was well worth the time, effort and expense that was put into it. Not only was it enjoyable, but It also provided James and Jasmyn with an unforgettable experience and a chance to mix with young teenagers of varying nationalities. It also gave each of us the opportunity to observe the quality of exhibits produced by young stamp collectors from other countries, which may be especially useful for both James and Jasmyn in the future.

From my perspective I believe it is important for Australia to send young philatelic collectors to any future competitions similar to the FIP youth contest in Germany, if it is at all possible. They are both fun and challenging for the youth participants and a lot can be learnt from them. In addition, the provide a wonderful opportunity for the youth participants to make a few new friends.

However one thing I would suggest if this sort of project is undertaken again is that the successful youth participants have the opportunity to meet and perhaps even work with one another prior to the competition in order for them to see how the other works and exhibits. This would allows both parties to come to a more decisive agreement regarding how they intend to present and write about philatelic material and thus minimise disagreements during the major competition.

As a final comment I would just like to say I found the concept of the FIP youth contest in Germany wonderful and I think it would be marvellous if we could conduct a similar competition within Australia for youth stamp collectors living in Australia. Not only would it be a good way to encourage existing young stamp collectors, but it could be used to attract new ones as well.

[ Source: APF News, October 1999 ]