The Canada Urdu Association is holding its Annual Urdu Speech Contest on Sunday, July 27, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The association serves as a platform to promote the Urdu language and to promote peace, harmony, mutual understanding and respect through Urdu literature. The speech contest, for students aged 13 to19, is part of the young speakers’ development program. Competition is in two age groups: 13 to 15 and 16 to 19.

The contest is open to the South- Asian community, to provide youth an opportunity to experience the Urdu language and develop leadership skills by facing an audience.

The speech topic is Mayholeyat Ki Aloodge Kay Asraat (The Effects of Environmental Pollution). Speeches are given in Urdu, and must be five to seven minutes long.

A panel of judges will decide the three winners in each age group. The awards will be presented to the winners at the CUA’s annual Jashn-e-Azadi Mushaira & Celebrations event scheduled for Aug. 30.

All eligible youth are encouraged to take part in this contest. Parents are requested to motivate and encourage their children for the contest. Registration deadline is July 22.

For more information call program co-ordinators Muhammad Afzal Malik, 604.518.4459, Raminder Pal Singh Kang, 604.729.0406, Imtiaz Popat, 604.715.4816 or Muhammad Suleman Mahtab, 778-908-1250 or visit www.CanadaUrdu.com.