The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Bermuda helps young people between the ages of 14 and 25 to discover, develop and achieve their greatest potential, but what does this really mean? The word “potential” could also be interpreted to mean success, but what is success? The answers and outcomes are as diverse as each one of us.

Success is defined by one source as “a degree or measure of succeeding”. Succeeding means “to turn out well”. Alternative definitions include “favourable or desired outcome” and “the accomplishment of an aim or purpose”.

Each definition relates to the Award and underscores the impact that our programmes have on individual participants, adult volunteers and the entire community. Everyone involved with the Award has an opportunity to write their own story of success and reach the goals they set for themselves to achieve their personal best.

For some, success is written through their dedication to family and friends, or by achieving academic excellence, reaching a personal fitness goal, giving back to the community, conquering a mountain or simply having the ability to rise with the dawn of each new day. For others, the pinnacle of success may be determined by their professional achievements, social status or the amount of money in their bank accounts. Whatever it means to you, the beauty of success is that we can define it for ourselves, rather than allowing it to define who we are, what we will achieve or what we will become.

A recent personal success story for Roy Fellowes was winning the inaugural Bermuda World Cup qualifying golf tournament in 2017. This fundraising tournament is recognised as one of the premier amateur golfing events in the world and was launched last year in celebration of the Award’s 50th anniversary of service in Bermuda. All proceeds remain in Bermuda and directly support local programmes that benefit more than 500 local youth on an annual basis.

Collin Dill placed second and both men were treated to a prize package that included an expenses-paid golf tour to Windsor, in England, for the World Cup finals with players from nine other countries. The finals were played on two different courses at Buckinghamshire Golf Club and Mill Ride Golf Club. All participants were treated to a special round of golf on the Queen’s private course at Windsor Castle, followed by a gala dinner with members of the Royal Family.

Fellowes said: “I entered the local qualifying tournament with little knowledge of the Award’s activities in Bermuda other than seeing young people with backpacks hiking on the roads and Railway Trails, often in the rain. I have since learnt about the Award’s mission and vision for Bermuda, and the positive impact it has on young people from a wide range of backgrounds. In Bermuda, the Award’s programmes are delivered free of charge to all who wish to participate and grow from the personal-development opportunities the Award delivers. It is vitally important that the Award in Bermuda achieves as much success as possible with its fundraising efforts to maintain and expand their reach across the island.”

Fellowes continued: “I have many fond memories of the UK trip, including the driver collecting us at Gatwick airport; our stay at the Sofitel ‘Castle Hotel’ in Windsor; the excellent golf courses we played; and the opening reception dinner in a former chapel at the De Vere Beaumont Estate in Old Windsor.

“The highlight for me was absolutely the gala dinner at Windsor Castle. After entering the castle with my wife, we were called to one side and informed that we would be sitting at the table of His Royal Highness Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex.

“I was seated next to Prince Edward and discovered that he knows Bermuda very well. I also learnt that he is an avid sailor, not a golfer.

“Overall, a fantastic evening we will never forget. I was so thrilled with the entire experience that I volunteered my services this year to assist with organising and promoting this signature fundraising event for the Award in Bermuda.”

Dill added: “For an amateur golfer, having the game of a lifetime during the qualifying tournament turned out to be one of the luckiest days of my life. I can think of no greater honour than to represent Bermuda at a prestigious international event. Roy and I sported red Bermuda shorts, navy knee-length socks, Bermuda-themed ties and blue blazers to the welcome dinner for the World Cup finals. We certainly stood out and I was very proud to explain why we were wearing shorts.

“The tournaments in Bermuda and Windsor were very well organised, and it was a joy to play golf with and meet people from various countries and cultures. The highlight for me was playing on Her Majesty’s private course and shaking hands with the Earl of Wessex at the gala dinner.”

Dill continued: “Both of my daughters persevered through the Bronze and Silver levels of the Award. They were indeed tested with stamina and developed the ability to work with their groups to successfully achieve their Awards.

“They are stronger for it and seeing what they’ve experienced through the programme, I was eager to support this charitable event knowing that funds raised would support other local youth as they push themselves through the Award and discover an inner strength that they might not have known they had.”

Get involved and make a difference. Contact us to learn more about the Award in Bermuda and the upcoming World Cup qualifier at the Mid Ocean Club on Friday.

Traci Burgess is national director of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Bermuda. Contact the Award Office for additional details on programmes, volunteering and alumni events on 537-4868 or at director@theaward.bm, or see the website at theaward.bm