A.S. Watson Group launches Hong Kong's first student sports awards
New programme marks school-led initiative in developing sports culture in preparation for Beijing Olympics 2008

Hong Kong (15 Oct 2005)

A.S. Watson announced today the launch of the A.S. Watson Group Hong Kong Student Sports Awards (SSA), the first initiative of its kind in Hong Kong targeting at all local primary and secondary students. Under the new programme, awards will be granted to over 1,200 high-performing or potential students in sports nominated by their schools. The programme marks the beginning of a corporate effort to help develop an active sporting culture in welcoming the forthcoming 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The launching ceremony was held this morning in the Olympic Square at Hong Kong Park. Among the officiating guests were Ms Shelley Lee, JP, the outgoing Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs; Mr Paul K.W. Tang, JP, Director of Social Welfare; The Hon Ronny Tong, SC, Legislative Council member; and Mr Martin So, Group Finance Director of A.S. Watson Group. Also present were representatives from the primary and secondary school principals associations, sports sector and The Outstanding Young Persons' Association, as well as teachers, students and their parents from numerous schools.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms Shelley Lee, JP, Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs, said, "The healthy growth of our young generation is linked inextricably with the long-term development of our society. It is important that our youth should develop positive sporting habits at school, not only to improve their physical fitness and stamina, but also to learn the importance of teamwork. As an important part of whole person development, they can strive for continued improvement by learning from their successes and failures through sports."

In recent years, more and more promising young sportsmen have emerged from schools. A.S. Watson believes that local sports standards can be further improved by providing these young people with recognition and encouragement.

Mr Martin So, Group Finance Director of A.S. Watson Group, said, "A.S. Watson has been a keen supporter and sponsor of local sports development and the community at large for two decades. We care about the personal development of our young generation and believe that sport is an excellent platform to build their character and personality. Through the Hong Kong Student Sports Awards, we hope to encourage students to pursue their interest in sport and nurture a more active generation. With Hong Kong hosting the equestrian event of the Beijing Olympics, A.S. Watson as a locally-rooted corporation hopes to take the lead in promoting local sports culture and start preparing Hong Kong for the forthcoming Olympics to be held on home soil."

To build a dynamic and vibrant spirit in Hong Kong, we need to promote a more active lifestyle in the society. Sport provides a perfect platform to achieve that end. And there could be no better place than schools to start this campaign. The SSA is expected to play a fundamental role in further encouraging active participation in sporting activities in all primary and secondary schools and strengthen the sports culture.

Mr Paul K. W. Tang, JP, Director of Social Welfare, said, "In a fast-growing metropolis like Hong Kong, people are under tremendous pressure to perform to the extent that the importance of a balanced life is often ignored. The sports awards launched today will give our future leaders a valuable opportunity to build a healthy attitude towards life and take this awareness into their families to promote a healthier lifestyle in the community."

The SSA represents a corporate investment in local education and sports, with the aim to recognise the potential and achievements of students in sport. It also seeks to stimulate greater interest in sport in schools, expecting to present awards to over 1,200 winners every year, one from each primary and secondary school in Hong Kong.

Details of the awards
Each award winner will receive: