Spirit of Hong Kong Awards recognise our unsung heroes
Eight lesser-known faces made the front page of the South China Morning Post on Friday. They are not politicians or social celebrities, nor are they activists from pressure groups or victims of crime and accidents.
Eight lesser-known faces made the front page of the on Friday. They are not politicians or social celebrities, nor are they activists from pressure groups or victims of crime and accidents. They are our unsung heroes, whose achievements and contributions to society have made Hong Kong a place we are proud of.
The eight winners were among 22 nominees selected from seven different categories for the Spirit of Hong Kong Awards organised by the this year. The event was first launched three years ago as we marked our 110th anniversary. As such, we continue to celebrate the good nature of people by giving our heroes due recognition.
An exemplary model is police officer Chan Kwong-hing. He has donated blood 256 times and bone marrow twice, winning him the People's Choice Award in a special online poll. Another disabled person was also honoured for his perseverance to achieve. Despite a childhood disease which makes him wheelchair bound, Foo Yuen-wai took up sailing as a sport and is now looking to qualify for next year's Rio Paralympics.
That good stories like these do not often get the attention they deserve is lamentable. With our society beset with political strife and social ills, it is easy to forget that there are still good Samaritans, outstanding achievers and survivors against the odds among us. What makes them special is that they do so not for the sake of reward or praises. Their good deeds often fall outside the public radar, yet they embody the spirit that defines Hong Kong, and inspire others with their actions.
