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The Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) is pleased to announce that the Sports for Hope Foundation (SFHF) has committed to be the title sponsor of the Outstanding Junior Athlete Awards (OJAA) in 2012. A launch ceremony is held together with the first quarter presentation today at the HKSI.

Officiating guests, which included Margaret Siu, Head of Coaching Support Services of the HKSI, Tony Yue, Vice President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), Raymond Chiu Vice-Chairman of the Hong Kong Sports Press Association (HKSPA) and Marie-Christine Lee, Founder of the SFHF, kicked off the sponsorship together by touching on the LED miraball, signifying that the new collaboration is turning the Awards Scheme into a new phase. Table tennis player Li Ching, and the newly turned coach Ko Kai-chak as well as retired windsurfer Chan King-yin also attended the ceremony to encourage the junior athletes to work hard for their dream.

Founder of the SFHF Marie-Christine Lee said, “OJAA is an award scheme to encourage young athletes with remarkable achievements. SFHF does share a similar vision to support more young people to further their sports passion and enhance their personal development, thus bringing out synergy and dynamics in different perspectives.”

Margaret Siu Head of Coaching Support Services of the HKSI welcomed the new sponsorship from SFHF and expressed her gratitude on behalf of the young athletes. Ms Siu said, “The sponsorship of SFHK symbolises the support and recognition for the local young athletes from the society and the determination in assisting the development of Hong Kong sport. The HKSI is delighted to see more organisations sharing the same belief with us.”

Ten athletes were awarded in this quarter, namely Lee Chun-hei and Tam Chun-hei (badminton), Leung Chun-wing and Wu Lok-chun (cycling), Doo Hoi-kem and Li Ching-wan (table tennis), Lo Lok-pui and Wong Hong-kit (tennis), Cheng Chun-leung and Ng Wing-cheung (windsurfing).

Having won the Award for the fifth time, badminton player Lee Chun-hei teamed up with partner Tam Chun-hei to win a gold medal in the men’s doubles at YONEX Dutch Junior 2012. He said, “The Award is an expression of encouragement and support to athletes. The Scheme drives me not to slack off and strengthen my determination to win in competitions. The sponsorship of SFHF is much appreciated. I hope this is a good start and the sponsorship could continue in the coming years.” Teammate Tam shared the same view with Lee towards the new sponsor and was flattered to win the Award. He will keep up the training after having a celebration dinner with his family.

Cyclist Leung Chun-wing started cycling at the age of four as his family loves the sport very much. He earned his debut OJAA title by snatching 4 gold medals at The 19^th Junior Cycling Championships in February in Malaysia. Leung said, “The Award is a pleasant surprise and for sure will encourage me to work harder in the future. I will save the cash prize and give the sports gear coupon to my mother as a Mother’s Day gift.” Leung hopes to devote more time to cycling and be able to participate in the 2014 Asian Games.

Tennis players Lo Lok-pui and Wong Hong-kit both started playing the sport at an early age of six and five respectively. Having a tacit understanding, the tennis duo snatched a gold medal in the boys’ doubles at ITF/ ATF 14 Under Asian Development Championships - Division I in the Philippines in March. Lo said, “When I learned that it is the Award for outstanding junior athletes, I feel very honoured and definitely am proud of winning it.” Wong added, “Earning the Award is the icing on the cake and I would like to thank Coach Sher Pui-cheong, who introduced me to the world of tennis and the supports my parents rendered to me through the years. They stood by me and accompanied me to different venues for training and competitions during my primary school years; I would not be here without them.” Wong aimed high and hoped that he could represent Hong Kong in some Major Games in four years’ time.

Windsurfer Cheng Chun-leung, who won the Award in the third quarter of 2010, grabbed the title again by getting a gold medal in the RS:X event at 2012 Asian Windsurfing Championships in January in Thailand. He said, “I’m very happy to win the Award again, and very happy to know that the Award is sponsored by the SFHF this year. Participation of sponsor signifies more attention, recognition and motivation for us, as well as for nurturing athletes of the new generation.” Cheng is grateful to his coach, parents and the HKSI for their support. As reciprocation, he hopes to get excellent results by ranking top fifth in the ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship 2012, which will be held in July.

In addition, ski athlete Camilla Emilie Weiner Trapness was also awarded Certificates of Merit for this quarter.

The SFHF Outstanding Junior Athlete Awards is organised by the HKSI and sponsored by SFHF, with support from the SF&OC and the HKSPA. They recognise the achievements of outstanding local junior athletes under the age of 19 on a quarterly basis. Each recipient is presented with a cash prize of HK$2,500, a voucher worth HK$2,500 and a certificate.

Awardees’ Achievements in the 1^st Quarter of 2012 (PDF)