Spirit of Hong Kong Awards return to honour unsung heroes of the community
- Chair of judging panel urges city residents to learn from people honoured in the awards, co-organised by the Post and property developer Sino Group
- An award will be given in each of six categories: community, perseverance, culture, innovation, youth and teamwork
A blind father endeavouring to empower the visually impaired and a restaurant offering jobs to the elderly are among the 18 finalists nominated for this year’s Spirit of Hong Kong Awards, which honour inspirational local individuals and groups that make the city a better place to live.
Over the next few weeks, the South China Morning Post will feature stories about these community achievers, including a veteran occupational therapist who has developed specialised rehabilitation services to help disabled people integrate into the community, a city explorer who is keen to show tourists the historic and cultural sides of Hong Kong, and a sports club promoting running for all.
The awards, co-organised by the Post and property developer Sino Group, celebrate the achievements of these remarkable people, who might otherwise not come to public attention.
Anna Wu Hung-yuk, chairwoman of the awards’ judging panel, said these “unsung heroes” had inspired and invigorated Hongkongers by showing why it was important to think positively, be hopeful and believe in their own strengths.
“They lift my spirit, and that is a powerful force,” she said.
“We need to capture the spirit of Hong Kong not only to recognise who they are and what they are but also to remind ourselves that we can be just as strong and vibrant and that we should be in hot pursuit of what matters.”
The chairwoman urged Hongkongers to learn from people honoured in the awards, noting that they were the best advocates for “doing” and “pushing the boundaries”.
“They can and they have. The question is: can we?” she said.
Another judge, CLP Holdings chief executive Richard Lancaster, said he had always been impressed with the commitment and perseverance of Hong Kong people and that the Spirit of Hong Kong Awards really brought this out.
“The stories of those who follow their life goals in spite of challenges, and the passion and creativity displayed in helping others, touch the heart,” he said.
“For me it has been truly meaningful to be involved in this award and be inspired by these unsung heroes in our city.”
An award will be given in each of six categories: community, perseverance, culture, innovation, youth and teamwork.
Readers will get a chance to vote for their favourite nominee in the Lion Rock People’s Choice Award category from July 1 to 31. Winners will be announced in September.
