Three athletes among HK's 'Ten Outstanding Young Persons'

Three of Hong Kong's top athletes have been named among this year's "Ten Outstanding Young Persons" in an announcement made on Thursday by Junior Chamber International (JCI) Hong Kong.

The sporting honorees include Grace Lau Mo-sheung, who made history as Hong Kong's first Olympic medalist in karate; record-breaking goalkeeper Yapp Hung-fai; and former badminton player Chan Yan-kit.

The annual awards recognize exceptional achievement across a broad spectrum of sectors. This year's recipients also include Legislative Councillor Edmund Wong Chun-sek; Professor Philip Li Hei, an academic chief of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology at the University of Hong Kong; and entrepreneur Liao Shu-hang.

The arts were also well-represented among the awardees. Gordon Lee Chun-lok was honored after winning the World Champion title at the World Harmonica Festival, while expressive arts therapist Aleck Kwong Man-kit was recognized for his contributions.

The list of honorees also features distinguished musicians, including the multitalented Anna Lo Yee-kwan, who works across composition and conducting, and Lin Yingshi, a principal performer in several Cantonese operas.

This year's awards ceremony carried the theme "Dare to Dream, Stay Passionate and Forge Excellence," highlighting the importance of personal resilience in overcoming challenges and achieving success.

According to the host organization JCI, the selection process evaluates candidates across five distinct categories: civil and social services, commerce and industry, education, performing arts/sports/culture and arts, and professionals.