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Lee Ho-ching and Yeung Chi-ka, being nominated by the Hong Kong Table Tennis Association and the Hong Kong Sports Association for the Mentally Handicapped respectively, caught the eyes of selectors to win the A.S. Watson Group/Hong Kong Sports Institute Outstanding Junior Athlete Awards for the fourth quarter of 2005 following their brilliant results achieved during the period.

A presentation was held today (Thursday) to present prizes to the two recipients each of whom received a cash prize HK$2,500, sports gears voucher worth HK$2,500 and a certificate of merit.

13-year-old Lee paired with a Singaporean player to win a bronze medal in the girls' doubles and captured a silver medal in the team event at the ITTF World Cadet Challenge & Junior Circuit Final held in Dominica Republic in October. It has also become one of the most memorable events in Lee's sporting career since she was selected as a member of the Asian Team to compete in the competition.

"I am very happy to receive the Award which comes as a big incentive to local junior athletes, giving us extra impetus to work harder to achieve our goals in sport," said Lee at the presentation.

Learning table tennis at the age of eight under the influence of his brother, Lee started formal training in the sport only three years ago. The promising player first represented Hong Kong in the East Asia Grand Prix Hopes Table Tennis Championships held in Japan in 2002. "Although I didn't win any medal at that tournament, the experience I gained there has made me a better player because I have had a better understanding of my strengths and weaknesses," said Lee, a second form student at the Diocesan Girls' School.

Despite her age, the youngster has set her sights of representing Hong Kong in the Asian and Olympic Games. "Although I still have a long way to catch up with top players in the world, I hope I can be as successful as Zhang Yi-ning, the Olympic gold medallist, whose skills, enthusiasm as well as her attitude towards the sport have influenced me a lot," added Lee. 17-year-old Yeung Chi-ka earned her first outstanding junior athlete title after helping Hong Kong team to win a gold medal in the women's team event at the 4th INAS-FID World Table Tennis Championships held in France in October.

"I haven't thought of winning the Award because other candidates also achieved excellent results during the period. It came a bit surprise but I'm really happy to have won the title which recognises my effort and hard work in the sport," said a delighted Yeung.

The rising star started formal training in table tennis in 2002 after her outstanding performance at school level. Her international debut came in the 1st FESPIC Youth Games in 2003 where she ranked second in the girls' singles.

"I would like to offer my sincere thanks to those who have helped build my sporting career in table tennis over these years, including my parents, school and in particular my coach. They are just wonderful in giving me all sort of encouragement and support," added Yeung, a fifth form student at the Hong Chi Morninghill School, Tsui Lam.

Presented by the HKSI with the sponsorship of the A.S. Watson Group as well as the support from the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China and the Hong Kong Sports Press Association, the A.S. Watson Group/Hong Kong Sports Institute Outstanding Junior Athletes Awards scheme recognised a total of 12 junior athletes in 2005. Other recipients included badminton players Wong Wai-hong and Yip Pui-yin, boccia player Kwok Hoi-ying, squash players Au Wing-chi, Chan Ho-ling, Chiu Ka-kei and Leung Shin-nga, swimmers Sze Hang-yu and Leung Shu-hang (mentally handicapped) as well as windsurfer Ma Kwok-po.