Celebrating the spirit that makes Hong Kong special
Unsung heroes honoured by the Post’s Spirit of Hong Kong Awards do not just make their own lives more meaningful, they make a difference in society
With the daily news dominated by conflicts and disputes of all sorts, good stories do not often get the attention they deserve. More often than not, these good stories do not come from politicians, business leaders or celebrities. They centre around lesser known individuals, whose contributions and achievements have made Hong Kong so special a place.
Efforts to honour these unsung heroes began with the first South China Morning Post Spirit of Hong Kong Awards in 2013. Over the years, some 170 stories have been brought to our readers. These individuals are doing extraordinary things without seeking recognition. They are as much a source of pride as of inspiration for a better world.
An example is the Compassion Ambassador Award winner So Kam. At the age of 92, the tireless community service volunteer outshines the younger generations by reaching out to lonely elderly citizens in public parks regularly. Twenty-three-year-old Mui Thomas is given the Overcoming Personal Challenge Award and becomes the winner of the People’s Choice Award in an online vote. Suffering from a rare skin disease, she valiantly fights discrimination and cyberbullying,and is now working as a rugby referee and a teacher for people with special needs.
Together with the winners in the categories for community contribution, innovation, cultural preservation and entrepreneurship, the awardees are living examples of how dedication and perseverance can bring out the best in human nature. They do not just make their own lives more meaningful. Collectively, they make a difference in society.
In addition to this year’s awards, the Post has also published a book entitled “One Love One Hundred Heroes” in both English and Chinese, the proceeds of which will be donated to Operation Santa Claus later this year. It is to be hoped that these heartwarming tales could inspire more people to help make Hong Kong a place we are proud of.
