National Geographic Kids magazine has announced the launch of the third NG Kids Young Photographers competition, proudly sponsored by Spur Steak Ranches. This great initiative aims to excite children about their environment while educating them about photography.

This competition has proven successful in the past, with over 800 entries received for the 2006/2007 contest. NG Kids is looking to better this result as it’s beneficial to readers, and will ultimately increase their creativity and awareness of the environment.

Says creative project manager, Joe Stead: “Spur is proud to be part of this great expression of talent. We are looking forward to receiving the many entries showcasing our beautiful country, its people and the natural resources that make it so unique. ”

The competition is now open and readers in the following age groups: seven and under; eight – 10; and 11 – 14 years, can enter one titled picture into each of the following categories: People; My Environment; and Animals.

A panel of judges will select the nine finalist,s and the overall winner will be announced in the March 2009 issue of NG Kids magazine. The following great prizes are also on offer: digital cameras from Canon; Disney Crocs shoes, a holiday at a private game lodge courtesy of Three Cities Group; and a chance to be entered into the 2008 National Geographic International Photography Contest. What’s even more special is that all finalists’ artwork will be displayed at Spur Steak Ranches across the country for the duration of February 2009.

Editor of NG Kids, Fiona Thomson, says: “The call has gone out to kids all around the country to grab their cameras and send in a photograph that could win them awesome prizes, as well as the title of "NG Kids Young Photographer of the Year". We at NG Kids love this competition as it gives us a unique chance to see the world through our readers’ eyes. Not that this makes it any easier to pick a winner. In past competitions we’ve been amazed by the standard of entries. There are some very creative and technically brilliant young photographers out there!”

Nationwide school tours will be conducted from August to September to promote the competition. Entries close on 21 October.

Competition details can be found in the August issue, on sale now, or on the NG Kids website at www.ngkids.co.za.