Eight who inspire: people who make Hong Kong proud honoured in third Spirit of Hong Kong awards
Chief executive leads tributes to 'inspiring' winners in Post's competition
Eight ordinary people who lead extraordinary lives have been named winners in this year's Spirit of Hong Kong Awards, an event organised by the South China Morning Post to recognise the city's unsung heroes.
The eight were picked from a shortlist of 22 Hongkongers who fight against the odds and set an example for others.
The nine-member judging panel was chaired by Professor Frederick Ma Si-hang, a former secretary for commerce and economic development.
Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, a guest at last night's awards ceremony, said the nominees showed what Hong Kong could strive for and achieve.
"You make us proud to call Hong Kong home," he told them. "I hope you carry on your good work and most importantly, I hope you can inspire others, especially young people - the future leaders of society."
Among the winners was insurance salesman Foo Yuen-wai, who achieved his dream of learning to sail despite a childhood case of polio that left him needing to use a wheelchair. He pursued his goal by teaming up with a charity that provides boats and training for disabled people, competing for Hong Kong just a year after taking up the sport, and now looking to qualify for next year's Rio Paralympics.
"The award is a recognition of the efforts I have made in sailing. I hope I will be able to encourage other people like me to live their lives to the fullest," Foo said.