David, one of 13 nominees for the award, has a long list of credentials to his name that made him stand out as a hard-working young man intent on giving all he can and promoting a Catholic message of goodwill to those he reaches.

He is one of the pioneers of the group Youth Alive that introduces the theatre to children and young people. He teaches drama and always makes sure he includes the disabled in all activities. He uses the knowledge he gained as an ability promoter at id-Dar tal-Providenza to help the disabled integrate with others in the group.

David has contributed to various local and national fund-raising activities to help individuals and families in need. He is also in contact with other organisations that help young people regain faith in themselves and find a job and a home, after going through a difficult period in their lives. David not only helps out in his own Sliema community but also over the air waves. He presents a regular programme on Deejay’s Radio in which he constantly aims to transmit the positive Catholic message to his listeners.

President Edward Fenech Adami presented the trophy to David Muscat at yesterday’s ceremony. This is the eleventh year of the award which is in memory of the late Rudolph Saliba, Kerygma Movement’s first president, who passed away in 1988.

Dr Fenech Adami encouraged all young people to continue their hard work within society and said he was pleased to see Maltese youth feel the need to do their bit for others.

He thanked them for their commitment and said that they set an example to everyone by giving those in need a helping hand.

Yesterday’s ceremony also served as the start of the volleyball marathon.

The money collected during the marathon will be in aid of id-Dar Tal-Providenza, the Ursuline Sisters in Sliema and Lourdes Home in Gozo.