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Swimmer Sze Hang-yu and badminton player Wong Wai-hong were honoured the A.S. Watson Group/Hong Kong Sports Institute Outstanding Junior Athlete Awards for the final quarter of 2004, following their outstanding performance achieved in the international sporting arena between October and December.

Each of the two juniors received a cash prize of $2,500, a sports gears voucher of $2,500 and a certificate of merit at the prize presentation held yesterday (22 March) at the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI).

Nominated by the Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association, 17-year-old Sze ranked eighth in the women's 100m medley and sixth in the 50m butterfly at the Swimming World Cup Series Melbourne and Korea legs respectively. "I was very happy to learn the result. Winning the Award is doubtlessly encouraging. It offers recognition to local junior athletes and their efforts," said the young swimmer, who started playing the sport in primary three.

Sze started formal training in 1998 and first represented Hong Kong in the 1st Asian Age Group Swimming Championships in the territory three years later. The youngster snatched two gold and three silver medals, as well as smashed the 13-14 age group Hong Kong record in 50m butterfly in her debut appearance. She was one of the Hong Kong representatives in the Athens Olympic Games last year, being the most memorable experience in her sporting life so far.

"I would like to thank my coach Chan Yiu-hoi, my parents, the headmistress and teachers for guiding and supporting me to success in the sport," added the form 4 student of Diocesan Girls' School.

Up-and-coming badminton player Wong Wai-hong was also titled the honour for his outstanding performance at the World Junior Badminton Championships 2004 held in Canada.

Competing against 128 top juniors from 29 countries, including some of the world's big guns such as Denmark, England, China, Japan, Korea and Indonesia, Wong, with great determination and confidence, finished ninth in the men's singles.

"I'm really happy to win the award for the first time which helps boost my confidence in the upcoming competitions. I'm delighted to have caught the eyes of the selectors among all other remarkable nominees," said the 18 years old player.

Wong started playing badminton when he was five with the influence of his elder brother. He received formal training in the sport in 1995 and was first selected to represent Hong Kong in the Schools Interport Competition the following year when he steered the team to win a bronze medal in team event.

"I like the sport very much and always want to be as successful as local player Wang Chen. Although it is still a long way to go, I'll keep up the good work aiming to achieve better results in the future," said Wong, who is now a full-time Scholarship Athlete under the Elite Training Programme at the HKSI.

Presented by the HKSI with the sponsorship of the A.S. Watson Group as well as the support from the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China and the Hong Kong Sports Press Association, the A.S. Watson Group/Hong Kong Sports Institute Outstanding Junior Athlete Awards recognised a total of nine junior athletes in 2004.