January 13, 2012 at 17:00pm
Finalists Announced!
The final competitors for Smaller Earth's Your Big Year 2012 have been announced!
From across the world, a group of young and aspiring entrepreneurs will travel to the UK and compete to become the Smaller Earth Lead Ambassador, embarking on a trip to 5 continents, positively impacting thousands along the way.
On January 12th, 2012, 24 individuals from 18 different countries were all video called by Smaller Earth CEO Chris Arnold. Each knew there were 12 places available in the final, taking place in Liverpool during the Global Entrepreneurship Congress in March. 12 of these bright people were given the news that they would be travelling to the UK in a few short months.
Marcelo Vieira (pictured), from Sau Paulo, Brazil talked about how the announcement made him feel.
I feel powerful as I can see my big dream of making the World better coming true. It's amazing to be part of this outstanding and talented group. The competition started with more than 60.000 and now we are just 16 on the road. Brazil is shining today!
Unbeknownst to all, the Smaller Earth chief had a surprise in store:It was virtually impossible to narrow the top 111 down to 24, let alone reduce the group further to a final 12.
Russian finalist Leysan Abdullina found out exactly what Chris had planned when he spoke to her via the internet from Mazars in London:
When he said that I wasn't in the final 12 I was honestly shocked. I felt hot and cold and my pulse was crazy! Knowing that Chris was watching me I tried to stay cool, calm and collected. Then he told me I had made it to the top 16 and I became very confused! I didn't know if this meant I still got to come to Liverpool or not!
Calvin Jodisi (Kenya) was in the same boat as Leysan: I felt like I had not done my best and had failed my country and friends. When I found out I would be coming to the UK after all, I was so very happy and I felt appreciated and recognised. Now I know that I have an even greater task ahead
To see all of the final 16, click here. Full profiles of every finalist will be posted over the coming weeks, so check back soon to discover more about this truly fantastic group of young people.
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