*****************************************************
Hongkong Post is organising a letter-writing competition for Hong Kong students in support of the Universal Postal Union's 35th International Letter Writing Competition.
The theme this year is, "I am writing to tell you how the postal service helps me connect with the world." The Postmaster General, Mr Allan Chiang, said the objective of the competition was to promote students' interest in letter-writing as a means of expressing themselves and sharing thoughts with other people.
"A handwritten letter is a unique communication tool and can mean a great deal to the person who receives one." says Mr Chiang. "We believe this year's topic can also help escalate students' thinking onto a broader perspective."
Students aged 15 or under as of March 24, 2006, who are residents of Hong Kong, are eligible to take part. The closing date for entries is also March 24. Entries may be submitted in either English or Chinese, and one champion will be selected from each group. Each champion will receive a book coupon worth $2,000 and a trophy. A first and second runner-up, plus 10 other merit award winners from each group, will be identified and they too will be honoured with prizes for their efforts.
A Grand Champion will be chosen from the two Champions from each category. The entry of the Grand Champion will represent Hong Kong, China in the 35th International Letter-writing Competition organised by the Universal Postal Union. Prizes for the Grand Champion include a trophy and a 2005 Prestige Annual Stamp Album.
A trophy and book coupons worth $2,000, $1,500 and $1,000 respectively, will also be presented to the three schools with the highest number of entries submitted, to recognise their efforts to encourage their students to enter.
"Competitions of this kind help improve letter-writing skills and encourage young people to be creative and correspond in a personal and meaningful way. I anticipate an enthusiastic response from the community again this year as this competition is always very well supported by schools, with a large number of students participating. I also look forward to reading the outstanding work produced by the participants."
Posters and entry forms have been sent to all primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong and are now available at all post offices. Photocopied entry forms will be accepted. Forms may also be downloaded from Hongkong Post's website at www.hongkongpost.com. For enquiries, please call the Hongkong Post hotline 2921 2222.
Ends/Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:09
NNNN
