Post readers get chance to vote for Hong Kong people who inspire them

Over the past few weeks, the has highlighted some of the city's unsung heroes, community givers and others who inspire us - the nominees for the Spirit of Hong Kong Awards 2014.

There is the villager who loves to show students his heritage and culture and traces his ancestry back 28 generations; the budding young swimmer whose debilitating illness reduced him to a wheelchair within a month, but who then rallied to become a fencing champion; the social worker who visits homes for the elderly with small children to bring fun and laughter into the lives of the residents; and the former policeman who is Hong Kong's biggest blood donor, to name just a few.

"Over the past few weeks, in the news and feature pages of the , I've had the chance to read about those who are creating a better Hong Kong," editor-in-chief Wang Xiangwei said.

"There are the young scientists blazing a trail in terms of innovation for good. There are three contestants who have spent hundreds of hours helping to conserve our city's valuable heritage and ensure our international culture and traditions are there for the next generation.

"They are all unsung heroes and I look forward to seeing who the judges and public vote for."

Professor Frederick Ma Si-hang, chairman of the eight-strong judging panel, said: "The cases clearly reflect the spirit of Hong Kong in helping others; our entrepreneurial and innovative spirit and our spirit in preserving our heritage.