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Fencers Ho Siu-in and Kong Man-wai, rowers Tang Chiu-mang and Wong Jing, table tennis player Li Ching-wan as well as wushu athlete Fung Wing-see were named recipients of the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) Outstanding Junior Athlete Awards (OJAA) for the fourth quarter of 2008, and were each presented a cash prize of HK$2,500, sports gears voucher worth HK$2,500 and a certificate at a prize presentation held today (Monday). Presenting guests include Chief Executive of HKSI, Dr Trisha Leahy, Chairman of Hong Kong Badminton Association, Mr Tong Wai-lun and Executive Committee Chairman of the Hong Kong Sports Press Association (HKSPA), Mr Chu Hoi-kun.

In addition, skater Aoi Rie, table tennis player with disability Mok Chi-sing as well as wushu athletes Leung Cheuk-hei and Lai Tsz-tsun were each awarded a certificate of merit to recognise their outstanding performance in this quarter.

17-year-old Ho Siu-in won a silver medal in the cadet women's sabre individual event and a bronze medal in the junior women's sabre individual event, and further helped Hong Kong team to win a bronze medal in the women's sabre team event at the Asian Junior & Cadet Fencing Championships held in Korea in October. It's the most memorable experience to Ho so far, not only because she has won three medals in a single tournament, but more importantly she treasured the precious moment she has spent with teammates during the competition.

Another fencer Kong Man-wai also returned with excellent result from the Asian Junior & Cadet Fencing Championships where the 14-year-old athlete won a gold medal in the cadet women's epee individual event. "I'm so glad to be selected as one of the Awards' recipients. Thanks to my coaches and parents who give me tremendous support and encouragement over the years," said Kong, who started formal training in the sport in 2006 and won the champion of ladies' epee individual event at the National Cadet Fencing Championships one year later.

Tang Chiu-mang earned his first outstanding junior athlete title with remarkable performance at the 14th Asian Junior Rowing Championships by winning a gold medal in the junior men's eight as well as silver medals in the junior men's single scull and the junior men's double scull. The 18-year-old rower first represented Hong Kong in 2007 at the Asian Junior Rowing Championships where his team ranked 2nd in the junior men's four. Tang now sets his target to strive for a place in the East Asian Games to be held in December and hopes to win medals for Hong Kong.

Competing with various up-and-coming rowers from 14 countries including China, Japan and Korea at the 14th Asian Junior Rowing Championships held in the territory, Wong Jing performed so well that she captured a silver medal in the junior women's single scull. "Through participating in the sport, my judging skill improves and I become more mature in the way of thinking and getting along with others," said the 17-year-old rower, who started formal training in 2002 and with great passion in the sport.

Another awardee was table tennis player Li Ching-wan, who snatched a silver medal in the cadet girls' (Year 15) category and helped Hong Kong team to win a bronze medal in the cadet girls' team event (Year 15) at the 2008 ITTF Cadet Challenge & Junior Circuits Finals held in Sweden. Li first played the sport seven years ago and became a member of Hong Kong squad in December 2006. "The Awards recognise our efforts over the years and encourage local juniors to achieve better results in the future," said Li who hopes to represent Hong Kong to participate in the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games.

Wuhsu athlete Fung Wing-see, who has won the OJAA title twice before, continued her success in this quarter by winning a gold medal in the women's gunshu B and a bronze medal in the women's daoshu B at the 2nd World Junior Wushu Championships. Promising Fung joined the sport at six and began formal training at the HKSI six years ago. Her international debut was the Asian Junior Wushu Championships held in Singapore in 2005 where she won gold medals in changquan and qiangshu respectively.

Presented by the HKSI with the support from the SF&OC and the HKSPA, the Awards scheme aims to recognise the achievement of local junior athletes under the age of 19 on a quarterly basis.