Cyclist Elites Mr. WONG Kam Po and Ms. WONG Wan Yiu, Jamie Inspire the awardees to “Strive Without Regret”
AS Watson Group Hong Kong Student Sports Awards (HKSSA), Hong Kong’s only territory-wide school sports awards, held the 13th award presentation ceremony at Queen Elizabeth Stadium today. Withover 85% of all primary, secondary and special schools in Hong Kong participating the programme, HKSSA presented awards to 932 student sports elites this year. Launched in 2005, HKSSA opens to all local schools to commend one sports talent from each school every year, recognizing the effort made by student sports elites behind their achievements and injecting positive energy into the youth.
Mr. YEUNG Yun Hung, Kevin, JP, Secretary for Education,Education Bureau, Mr. YEUNG Tak Keung, JP, Commissioner for Sports, Recreation and Sports Branch, Home Affairs Bureau and Mr. WONG Kam Po, SBS, MH, Programme Development Executive of SF&OC Sports Legacy Scheme cum Facilitator of the Starts Mentors, were invited to present the awards to the student sports elites. With the theme of “Strive Without Regret” to encourage the awardees to get ready for the challenges ahead, it also reiterates the motto of HKSSA “Yes, I can!”, to inspire awardees to be fearless in chasing for their dreams and striving to achieve their goals.
Ms. WONG Wan Yiu, Jamie, Committee of Hong Kong Elites Athletes Association was invited to share her effort made to strive for success with the awardees and encourage them to uphold their set goals.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Dominic Lai, Group Managing Director of AS Watson Group said, “Celebrating the 13th anniversary, together with 932 awardees this year and the participation of over 85% of all primary, secondary and special schools in Hong Kong, HKSSA is one of the largest scale student sports elite recognition programmes. It is encouraging to see that the schools support the awardees very much.”
Lai added that, “The 2018 Asian Games will be held in Indonesia this August, with a total of 45 countries and regions to compete in 37 sports games. Past Hong Kong student-athlete elites like Mr. SHEK Wai Hung and Ms. LO Sin Lam, Sonia have accomplished outstanding results in the 2014 Asian Games. Knowing some of the students here will represent Hong Kong to participate in the Game, we wish you all could live by the motto of HKSSA ‘Yes I Can!’, and strive for a bright future for Hong Kong”.
Mr. YEUNG Yun Hung, Kevin, JP, Secretary for Education, Education Bureau said, “AS Watson Group organizes this event every year. Apart from affirming the students’ outstanding performance in sports, it encourages young people to participate in sports activities, which help establish an active and healthy lifestyle. The Group has truly made a great contribution to the academic community”.
Mr. YEUNG Tak Keung, JP, Commissioner for Sports, Recreation and Sports Branch, Home Affairs Bureau said, “The government is committed to promoting sports developments and provides athletes with comprehensive support to help them strive for successes. At present, many universities and secondary schools offer flexible courses to assist athletes in the dual developments of sports and academics. I hope all elites athletes here today will continue to develop their own interests and potentials, pursue excellence, and strive to advance toward their own goals”.
As one of the past HKSSA awardees in secondary school, Mr. WONG Kam Po, SBS, MH, Programme Development Executive of SF&OC Sports Legacy Scheme cum Facilitator of the Starts Mentors shared his story with all the awardees, “We should never give up when there are obstacles and challenges, but to equip ourselves with the attitude of striving without regrets and stay confident to chase our dreams”.
Ms. WONG Wan Yiu, Jamie, Committee of Hong Kong Elites Athletes Association, also shared her experience in overcoming challenges with the awardees, “Overcome all obstacles and strive without regret. Face all challenges with the sporting spirit. Be brave and make yourself be proud of what you do”.
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2017 – 2018HKSSA Nomination
The HKSSA has gained overwhelming support from local schoolsover the past years. This year, total 932 students are awarded.Each participating school is entitled to nominate one sports talent every year.All awardees would receive cash scholarship and would be invited to the award presentation ceremony and leadership workshop. This year, awardees will also have the opportunity to join a sports exchange tourto Bangkok, Thailand to broaden their horizons.
The Group hopes that students will continue to pursue their dreams, strive for excellence and promote sporting culture actively and inspire others to embrace the future.
Key Facts about the 932 Winners
There are 534 boys and 398 girls this year with the youngest winner a 9-year-old primary three student. Some awardees are elite athletes while some are already representing Hong Kong in international competitions.
Breakdown of Award Winners by school types:
Breakdown of Award Winners by sports:
