March 26, 2019, Hong Kong: The results of the five categories of the “Cathay Pacific 2018 Hong Kong Sports Stars Awards” (HKSSA) were announced at the Awards Presentation Ceremony this evening in the Grand Hall of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The Hon. Mrs. Carrie LAM CHENG Yuet-ngor, GBM, GBS, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr. Timothy FOK, GBS, JP, President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (the Federation) and Mr. Paul LOO, Chief Customer & Commercial Officer of Cathay Pacific each delivered an address at the “Hong Kong Sports Oscars” and also presented awards to the winners.
Other distinguished presenters included The Hon. MA Fung Kwok, SBS, JP, Legislative Councilor (Sports, Performing Arts, Culture and Publication) and The Hon. LAU Kong Wah, JP, Secretary for Home Affairs of Home Affairs Bureau. Other senior Government officials, guests from the sports sector and entertainment celebrities who were among the presenters included RubberBand, Mr. WONG Tak Bun Kenny, Mr. Raymond WONG, 2018 Miss Hong Kong Champion, Miss Hera CHAN, and 2nd Runner-up, Miss Sarah TING. As this was also the Annual Spring Dinner of the Federation, it was attended by all the Federation’s Member Associations to witness and celebrate the achievements of our athletes in the past year.
The Federation received a total of 140 nominations from 50 Sports Associations and Organizations for this year’s Awards. Winners were selected by the accumulated scores given by the Judging Panel, the Sports Media, and the public. There was no winner for the “Hong Kong Sportsmanship Sports Stars Award” this year as the Judging Panel could not reach a consensus on the winner.
Sarah LEE Wai Sze (Cycling) was crowned the “2018 Cathay Pacific Best of the Best Hong Kong Sports Stars Award” this year after winning in HKSSA 2016. Other “Hong Kong Sports Stars” winners included NG On Yee (Billiard) who was one of the winners on the list for the eighth time, while YU Chui Yee (Sports for the Physically Disabled – Wheelchair Fencing) was among the winners for the seventh time; NG Mui Wui (Sports for the Intellectually Disabled – Table Tennis) won the Award for the second consecutive year; SHEK Wai Hung (Gymnastics) was on the list again after first appearing in 2015. 2018 Asian Games medallists KONG Man Wai Vivian (Fencing), AU Chun Ming (Squash) and MOK Uen Ying Juanita (Wushu) were debutants of the “Hong Kong Sports Stars Award Awards”.
The Hong Kong Rugby Union Men’s Team won the “Hong Kong Sports Stars Award for Team Only Sport” for the ninth time, its last win coming in 2016. For the “Hong Kong Sports Stars Awards for Team Event”, Hong Kong Badminton Team – Mixed Doubles (TANG Chun Man/TSE Ying Suet) and Hong Kong Track Cycling Men’s Madison Team (CHENG King Lok/LEUNG Chun Wing) were the winners in this category. The Federation congratulated all awardees and wished them every success in their future sporting endeavours.
President FOK mentioned in the Ceremony that “all nominees showed the spirit to strive for excellence during competitions and aimed for breaking through their previous achievements. We are very proud of them!”
Mr. Paul LOO, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, said: “I would like to give my heartfelt congratulations to all the award-winning athletes. We have seen many homegrown sportspeople excel in both regional and international competitions in recent times, and their persistence and tenacity in performing their very best is inspiring to everyone. As the home carrier of Hong Kong, we are proud of the achievements of all those who represent our city on the sporting stage.”
The Federation was deeply saddened by the recent sudden passing of swimmer Kenneth TO. Kenneth was a dedicated athlete holding a number of Hong Kong swimming records. He also represented Hong Kong the first time to participate in the 18th Asian Games in last year. In view of his dedication and outstanding performance, Mr. FOK presented the “2019 SF&OC President’s Commendation for Distinguished Achievements” award to Kenneth. The Award was received by the representative of the Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association.
Being the “Hong Kong Sports Oscars”, all nominees and guests were in formal attire and walked on the red carpet after their arrival to sign their names on the backdrop. CHAN Hei Man Hayley Victoria (Windsurfing) and CHOI Nicholas Edward (Fencing) were being selected as the Best Dressed Female and Male Athletes respectively among all attending nominees. The two athletes and the eight winners of the “Hong Kong Sports Stars Awards” were each presented with two return air tickets from Cathay Pacific.
The Federation would like to take this opportunity to express its heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the following organizations, including Title Sponsor – Cathay Pacific Airways Limited; Subvented Organization – Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Principal Partner – New World Development Company Limited; Official Partner – Fila Marketing (Hong Kong) Limited, JM Network Limited, Secret 9 Production House; Official LED Screen Partner – IN LED Display Services Limited; Media Partner – Ming Pao Newspapers Limited and Official Sponsor – Fitness First. Last but not least, appreciation is extended to the Organizing Committee, Judging Panel, Sports Media and the Hong Kong community who supported this annual mega sports event by voting for their favourite athletes.
Issued by: Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China
Date: 26 March 2019
Annex: Awardees List of Cathay Pacific 2018 Hong Kong Sports Stars Awards
