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Organised by the HKSI, title sponsored by the Shine Tak Foundation, sponsored by the Sports for Hope Foundation and supported by the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) and the Hong Kong Sports Press Association (HKSPA), the Annual Celebration and 4^th quarter awards presentation ceremony of the Outstanding Junior Athletes Awards (OJAA) 2024 was held today. This quarter, a total of 48 athletes were honoured, bringing the total number of recognised athletes to a record-breaking 170 for the year. The ceremony also highlighted the presentation of three annual awards: the Most Outstanding Junior Athlete, the Most Promising Junior Athlete and the Most Supportive National Sports Association.

Officiating guests and awards presenters included Mrs Amy Xiao He Yuanfeng MH, Executive Vice Chairlady of the Shine Tak Foundation; Ms Marie-Christine Lee, Founder of the Sports for Hope Foundation; Mr Philip Mok, Honorary Deputy Secretary General of the SF&OC; Mr Ying On-bong, Chairman of the HKSPA and Mr Tony Choi MH, Chief Executive of the HKSI.

Ng Cheuk-yan Recognised as the Most Outstanding Junior Athlete
Su Tsz-tung Shines Bright as the Most Promising Junior Athlete

Throwback 2024, Hong Kong’s junior athletes achieved remarkable results at international competitions. Among them, Ng Cheuk-yan (Para swimming – Physical Disability) stood out with exceptional performances and was awarded the title of the Most Outstanding Junior Athlete of the Year. At just 14 years old, Ng Cheuk-yan clinched a gold medal in the women’s 100m breaststroke at the Citi Para Swimming World Series Singapore 2024, and went on to make history at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games by earning a bronze medal in the women’s 100m breaststroke SB6, becoming Hong Kong’s youngest Paralympic medallist. Upon learning of her award, Ng Cheuk-yan expressed that this award is a significant recognition of her performance over the past year. She extended her heartfelt gratitude to her coach and the association for their nurturing, as well as to her family, teammates, and classmates for their unwavering support. The swimmer also acknowledged the Shine Tak Foundation and the Sports for Hope Foundation for their invaluable support of young athletes. Looking ahead to 2025, Ng Cheuk-yan is determined to take part in more competitions and strive to surpass her personal best. 

Su Tsz-tung (Table Tennis) was honoured with the OJAA title three times in 2024 and was recognised as the Most Promising Junior Athlete of the Year. Su Tsz-tung demonstrated considerable talent by winning three bronze medals in the U17 girls’ singles, the U19 girls’ singles and U19 mixed doubles at the WTT Youth Contender Puerto Princesa 2024. Furthermore, she secured a gold medal with her partners in the U19 mixed doubles at the Vientiane edition, and a bronze medal in the U15 girls’ team event at the ITTF World Youth Championships. She said receiving this award serves as a great encouragement for her, and she is grateful for the invaluable support and guidance from her coach and family. Looking ahead, she is dedicated to her ongoing improvement and pursuing further achievements.

The Hong Kong, China Table Tennis Association was awarded the Most Supportive National Sports Association. Throughout the past year, the Association nominated 10 athletes for the awards, all of whom received recognition.

27 4^th Quarter Awardees and 21 Athletes Received Certificate of Appreciation and Merit Respectively

A total of 27 junior athletes from 15 sports were crowned the OJAA title in the 4^th quarter. The awardees included Au Yeung Wing-chi and Chan Yee-hei (Badminton), Chan Tsz-ming (Diving), men’s foil junior team formed by Choi Chi-lok, Lam Ho-long and Luk Chun-lok (Fencing), Arianna Lau (Golf), male cadet team kata formed by Chiu Wing-hei, Tsang Pak-yin and Nuri Wong (Karatedo), Ip Ka-ching (Lawn Bowls), Yau Man-hei and Yiu Yiu (Orienteering), Au Lok-yi (Para Swimming – Physical Disability), Tiago Cheng De Villemor Salgado and Huang Zixi (Sailing), Lam Ching-yan (Skating), women’s table tennis youth team formed by Mak Ming-shum, Su Tsz-tung, Yuen Sum-lok and Zhang Jiayu (Table Tennis), Liu Tsz-ki (Taekwondo), Sarah Elise Modiano and Mok Pak-fan (Triathlon), Choy Wing-tung and King Hung (Windsurfing) and Lee Yuet-tung (Woodball).

In addition, three athletes were awarded the Certificate of Merit for this quarter, including Wang Ka-lee (Equestrian), Wong Hei-kiu (Mountaineering) and Mak Sai-ting (Swimming), in recognition of their hard work.

Eighteen athletes were awarded the Certificate of Appreciation, including women’s football team U16 formed by Chan Tsz-yiu, Chau Tsz-yuet, Cheng Siu-ying, Cheng Ming-yee, Chong Hoi-ching, Fung Ting-yin, Hung Wing-tung, Lee Hong-to, Liu Sin-huen, Tang Tsz-wan, Tsang Tsz-ching, Sammi Van Amelsfoort, Wong Tsz-yiu, Yang Luyi, Katelyn Yao and Yuen Wing-sum (Football), Chelsea Leung and Su You-wei (Kendo).

The OJAA recognises the achievements of outstanding local junior athletes under the age of 19 on a quarterly basis. Each winner is presented with a cash award of HK$5,000, a sports voucher worth HK$2,500 and a certificate. For teams, they will receive a cash award of HK$20,000, a sport voucher worth HK$10,000 and certificates.

Being the Government’s designated organisation to provide the high-performance training system for eligible sports, the HKSI is committed to providing an environment in which sports talent can be identified, nurtured, and developed to pursue excellence in the international sporting arena and to inspire potential athletes to pursue a full-time sports career.