The Okanagan Young Writers’ Awards
Showcasing the Next Generation of Okanagan Writers

Submissions Accepted October 1 – November 3!
The beautiful Okanagan Valley has long inspired talented creatives from around the region. The Okanagan Young Writers’ Awards were founded to promote excellence in writing at the high school and early college level. Through this competition we hope to recognize outstanding writing achievement by the region’s youth aged 14-19! Submissions are accepted from October 1st until November 3rd. Finalists will be announced December 1st and winners on December 15th! A story / poetry reading and signing will be held by the Okanagan Regional Library.
Contest Information
Judging Panel
A huge thanks goes out to our Okanagan Young Writers’ Awards judges for graciously volunteering their time and expertise! The judges that make up the 2023 Finalists Panel are:
Sponsorship
We would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous contributions to the Okanagan Young Writers’ Awards as well as art and culture throughout the valley:

OKANAGAN PUBLISHING HOUSE
Okanagan Publishing House is an independent publishing company based out of Kelowna, BC. They have supported arts and culture in the Okanagan region since 2014 and are the founding sponsor of the OYWAs.
“As a publishing house we draw our inspiration from the fine writers of this region. Our hope is that this competition engages the next generation of Okanagan creatives and encourages them to share their story with the world.”

OKANAGAN REGIONAL LIBRARY
The Okanagan Regional Library has 28 locations in BC spanning from Golden to Osoyoos. Their Mission Branch will be hosting a reading / signing for the 2023 OYWAs.
“The Okanagan Regional Library celebrates the creativity of our communities’ young people and strives to nurture a lifelong love of language in people of all ages. It is in this spirit that the Mission Branch is delighted to host the OYWA 2023 and to elevate the voices of these talented writers.”

THE TROPHY DEN
The Trophy Den is the Okanagan’s oldest awards and promotional products shop, and is located centrally in Kelowna, BC. They will be providing medallions for the 2023 OYWA winners.
“The Trophy Den is a locally owned and operated business that offers traditional and laser engraving services. We stock a large variety of awards, trophies, customizable drinkware, and other unique giftware. We pride ourselves on providing exemplary customer service that exceeds expectations. Our showroom is located at 987 Lawrence Ave, Kelowna, BC.“