Sail Trainee Ambassadors from across the city were invited to meet the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Alan Emerson.
Ambassadors are undertaking a busy programme of sail training and Sunderland-oriented activities, giving them a wide range of experience to share with others.
Many of the ambassadors are supported by local businesses and organisations as they head towards taking part in The Tall Ships Races 2018.
The Sail Training Ambassadors are enjoying a challenign but enjoyable two-year programme of sail training, natuical and cultural activities - icluding taking part in the first leg of The Tall Ships Races 2018. The first race of the 2018 series is from Sunderland to Esbjerg in Denmark.
Councillor Emerson, explained his role as Mayor and encouraged the group to continue to take great pride in their role representing the city.
Councillor Emerson said: "It's been a fantastic opportunity for me to meet young people from our city and beyond and I've really enjoyed meeting the group.
"As Mayor of Sunderland, I am very proud to represent a city with both a rich cultural heritage, and ambitious, exciting plans for the future. These plans of course include The Tall Ships Races in Sunderland 2018. I wholeheartedly encourage all of the Ambassadors to make the most of this wonderful opportunity and wish each of them the greatest of good fortune in their upcoming adventures."
Sail Training Ambassador Lauren Williams (16), sponsored by Sunderland Youth Parliament ,said: “It was great to meet Councillor Emerson and learn a little more about the role of the mayor of a city.
"He spoke with great pride about being able to represent his city at a variety of functions and of the opportunities he has had to meet a wide range of people from across Sunderland.
“Our role is to help young people to find out more about sail training and encourage them to take part in The Tall Ships Races in 2018. Sailing can be for everybody and I hope as many people from across the city make the most of this fantastic opportunity to take part in this this iconic event.”
After meeting the mayor the group attended a presentation and question and answer session on some of the history of the city.
Fellow ambassador Don Brookes (15), sponsored by Sunderland–based crane manufacturers Liebherr said: “It was fascinating to hear about the early formation of Sunderland and to hear tales of so many characters down through the ages. It really brought to life some of the conditions and developments across the city. It certainly provided some food for thought about places we perhaps now take for granted.”