A happy ending at storytellers' competition
FINALISTS in the junior category interpreted stories in varied and lively ways as they vied for the Children's Storytelling Competition championship at the Concert Hall of the Hongkong Cultural Centre on Sunday.
Organised by the Education Unit of the Radio Division of Radio Television Hongkong and the Boys' and Girls' Clubs Association of Hongkong, the final round of the contest saw competition from sixteen units of junior finalists selected from preliminary andsemi-final rounds. Champion, first runner-up and second runner-up prizes were announced in several categories at the event.
The audience was treated to performances by singers Naoia Chan, Jay Leung, Shirley Yuen and a magic show presented by Fantasy Trio in addition to the storytelling contest.
Mr Benny Ngai, head of the RTHK Education Unit, said participation in the 18-year-old competition had increased annually.
Participants in the competition are from five to 11 years old and are nominated by schools and youth service agencies.
Mr Ngai said the contest helped to cultivate an interest in reading and storytelling among children and youths.
Participants in the junior section selected their own stories, while stories in the intermediate and senior sections of the storytelling category were the winning entries of the Children's Story Writing Competition organised by the Hongkong Children's Art Society.
Scripts used in the radio drama category were rewritten from those provided by authors of the organisation.
Contest judges included Legislative Councillor Mr Szeto Wah, Ms Liza Wang, president of the Chinese Opera Institute of Hongkong, Mr Chow Yun-fatt, president of the Artiste Alumni Association, Ms Flora Cheong-Leen, of the Hongkong Council on Early Childhood Education and Service, the Broadcasting Authority's Mrs Pamela Chan, Miss Wu Hang-yin, of the Bank of East Asia and Urban Council vice-chairman Mr Lo King-man.
Director of Education Mr Dominic Wong Shing-wah and Mr David Li, chief executive of the Bank of East Asia, presented the prizes.
Highlights of the competition finals will air during Children's Time on RTHK Radio 5 (AM 783 KHz) between 5.30 pm and 6 pm from February 1 to February 5.
Storytelling Results: Junior Section - Winner: Lo Ming-yam (Three Little Pigs ); First Runner-up: Kwok Yi-ki (Who is the Most Competent? ); Second Runner-up: Chung Heep-ling (Pui Pui's Birthday Gift ).
Intermediate Section - Winner: Ng Hoi-shan (Ah Lik, The Mighty Man ); First Runner-up: Lam Ming-ki (Eating the Moon ); Second Runner-up: Wong Lai-ming (The Unique Por Por ).
Senior Section - Winner: Leung Ka-lun (Inertia ); First Runner-up: Chan See-ting (The Kingdom in the Bottomless Hole ); Second Runner-up - Chan Hiu-see (Journey to the West ).
Radio Drama: Winner - Shin Yat Tong On Yat Kindergarten (Kwun Kwun, The Witch ); First Runner-up - Lok Sin Tong Lau Tak Primary School (A Fair Exchange ); Second Runner-up - Pui Ling School of the Precious Blood (Have a Competition and See Who is the Most Smelly ).
