You decide: online voting opens for Spirit of Hong Kong Lion Rock People’s Choice Award, championing the city’s unsung heroes
- Now in its ninth year, the awards campaign co-organised by the Post and property developer Sino Group recognises the remarkable people helping others under the radar
- Those in running include a group providing safe haven for sex workers, researchers improving food options for the elderly and teenager aiming to lift Hongkongers’ well-being
From a writer aspiring to ignite youth interest in Chinese classical literature to a group providing a safe haven for sex workers, unsung heroes across Hong Kong are making positive differences every day to people’s lives.
The annual campaign, in its ninth year, is co-organised by the South China Morning Post and property developer Sino Group to honour remarkable people whose endeavours might otherwise have gone unnoticed.
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This year’s award series celebrates 18 individuals and groups, their inspirational efforts making residents proud to call themselves Hongkongers.
From now until August 25, readers can vote online for the person or team they think is most deserving of the Lion Rock People’s Choice Award, selecting from the finalists of six categories: community, perseverance, culture, innovation, youth and teamwork.
Those in the running include a co-founder of a charity who offers educational support to non-Chinese speaking children, and a teenager organising activities to improve the emotional well-being of the city’s population.
A music student drawing on her past struggles to help others and a team of researchers developing more appetising food options for frail elderly residents are also vying for the honour.
James Blake, who sits on the judging panel deciding winners of the six categories, said the unsung heroes’ work meant a great deal to society.
“Fifty years in Hong Kong has taught me the importance of shared values and can-do spirit, in combination to face the problems of the day,” he said.
“This is the underlying Spirit of Hong Kong, a spirit I hope that you agree must be recognised.”
He said the good Samaritans worked tirelessly in difficult circumstances and gave generously to ease the hardships that fell heavier on those around them. He urged readers of these moving accounts to take action.
“I hope that you will give your views by voting, to recognise their outstanding spirit and freely given service in support of Hong Kong, our home,” he said.
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Fellow judge Tammy Tam, editor-in-chief of the Post, noted this year’s awards carried special significance as Hongkongers had endured a series of unprecedented and ongoing health and economic challenges through the Covid-19 crisis, with more unpredictability ahead.
“The finalists, having contributed to our community in different ways, share and showcase one thing in common: they never give up on the Lion Rock spirit, our Hong Kong spirit,” she said.
“Let’s celebrate their courage, positive energy and resilience by giving them your recognition – vote for your unsung heroes!”
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The Spirit of Hong Kong Awards 2020 (Virtual Awards Ceremony)
Blake, Tam and nine other judges will assess the finalists in accordance with an established scoring system.
The community category champions those making a positive impact on the society or people in need.
The perseverance grouping recognises people who overcome personal challenges to succeed, and the culture one honours those inspiring others to preserve the city’s heritage.
Individuals who have developed breakthrough technologies that benefit society are honoured in the innovation class, while young people showing commitment to the community can be put forward for the youth award.
The teamwork category lauds companies or groups that embrace their roles as socially responsible corporate citizens.
