COMPETITION: Design a superhero dog and win £500 for your school
Israel Guide Dog Centre UK is inviting primary school children to celebrate the work of guide dogs in memory of a hero
A new primary schools competition has been launched to honour the legacy of former Executive Director Martin Segal MBE, a figure widely regarded as a driving force behind the UK support for the Israel Guide Dog Centre.
Segal’s IDF background and lifelong commitment to charitable causes made him a hero to many within the community. “Naming the award after him sends a powerful message to children,” said IGDC UK’s new chief executive, Karen Brosh – “that heroes are not confined to comic books, but exist in everyday life.”
The Martin Segal Superhero Award invites primary school pupils to design either a superhero dog or a human superhero who works alongside a dog. Entries may take the form of a poster or a short newspaper-style article and must include a brief explanation of who their superhero helps and how they make a difference.
“The competition is to reflect Martin’s values by encouraging creativity, kindness and an understanding of how guide dogs transform lives,” added Brosh.
Guide dogs trained at the Centre support Israelis living with sight loss, PTSD and trauma, enabling greater independence, confidence and safety. Organisers describe them as “real-life superheroes” because of the life-changing impact they have on the people they serve.
The winning entry, to be announced on 9 July, will receive the Martin Segal Superhero Trophy, a goody bag and £500 worth of vouchers for their school. The charity is also offering to visit schools and youth groups to speak about the work of the Centre, helping children understand how guide dogs are trained and why accessibility and inclusion matter.
The competition judging panel – Martin’s widow Rebecca Segal, Brigit Grant, Editor of Life magazine, and Daniel Winston, author of Dennis and Friends, will be looking for imagination, empathy and teamwork rather than artistic skill.
Entries must be submitted by 29 May, either via participating schools or posted directly to the UK charity, with the completed form attached from the competition flyer. Details and downloadable materials are available at http://israelguidedog.org.uk.
Entry form: IGDC-MS Competition-A5 flyer (4) (1)[63]
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