Voting for the Spirit of Hong Kong Lion Rock People’s Choice Award opens for members of public to honour unsung heroes
- Awards celebrate 18 individuals and groups who have been making positive differences to people’s lives
- Voters can select winners from the finalists of six categories: community, perseverance, culture, innovation, youth and teamwork
From a blind marathon runner promoting positivity and inclusion in the community to a team of volunteers providing hot meals for the poor, unsung heroes across Hong Kong are making the city a better place to live.
Now, these community champions are set for the recognition they deserve, as polls open for the Spirit of Hong Kong Lion Rock People’s Choice Award.
The annual campaign, in its 10th year, is co-organised by the South China Morning Post and property developer Sino Group to shine a light on remarkable people whose endeavours may otherwise go unnoticed.
This year’s awards celebrate 18 individuals and groups who have been making positive differences to people’s lives.
From now until October 6, 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 researcher who develops greener methods of purifying the air, a teenager connecting under-resourced youngsters to career exploration opportunities, and a Cheung Sha Wan resident running tours for locals to learn more about their neighbourhoods and communities.
Kerry Group Kuok Foundation CEO David Pang, who sits on the judging panel deciding winners of the six categories other than the Lion Rock People’s Choice Award, said the nominees had touched so many people’s lives through simple actions.
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“They have dedicated their hearts and time to making a sustainable impact in our society,” he said.
He said Hong Kong residents could learn from these good Samaritans and follow in their footsteps.
“With that we can sustain the spirit of Lion Rock for many more years,” he said.
Named after the iconic peak, the Lion Rock People’s Choice Award honours individuals or groups who best represent the can-do, kind and go-getter Hong Kong spirit.
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The Hong Kong Council of Social Service Chief Executive Chua Hoi-wai, who also sits on the judging panel, described the Lion Rock spirit as the core value inherited by Hong Kong people for generations.
“[It] is not only a symbol of our beloved city, but a treasure that has taken us through difficult times and challenges,” he said.
Chua said the individuals and groups featured in this year’s award series revealed the true spirit of Hong Kong and inspired people, groups and companies to embrace their roles as responsible and caring citizens.
“Let’s recognise their contributions by voting for the unsung heroes. Together, we build a vibrant and harmonious city,” he said.
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Pang, Chua and eight other judges will assess the finalists’ nominations for the community, perseverance, culture, innovation, youth and teamwork awards, in accordance with an established scoring system.
The spirit of community category champions those who make a positive impact on the community or people in need.
The perseverance award recognises people who have overcome personal challenges to succeed, and the culture one honours those inspiring others to preserve the city’s heritage.
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Individuals who have developed breakthrough technologies that benefit society are honoured in the Spirit of 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 attach importance to their roles as socially responsible corporate citizens.
