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Hongkong Post today hosted the "2006 International Letter-Writing Competition for Young People (Hong Kong Contest)" Award Presentation Ceremony at the General Post Office. The ceremony was officiated by Mr. Dan CHOI, Assistant Postmaster General (Business Development), and Legislative Councillor, Hon CHEUNG Man Kwong.
This competition was organised in support of the Universal Postal Union's 35th International Letter-Writing Competition, with the objective of promoting youngsters' interest in letter-writing as a means of sharing thoughts with others. "I am writing to tell you how the postal service helps me connect with the world" was chosen as the theme for this year's competition, to increase awareness among young people of the important role postal services play in our societies and foster their affection for writing letters. The competition theme this year has further reinforced the spirit of Hongkong Post's purpose statement, "Linking People", by delivering these letters to recipients all over the world.
"We hope the competition can stimulate youngsters' awareness of the importance of their postal services and let them know a hand-written letter, complete with a human touch, is a powerful and meaningful way to communicate with their loved ones," says the Assistant Postmaster General (Business Development), Mr. Dan CHOI. "Moreover, being a caring organisation, it is also our aim and responsibility to cultivate the younger generation. We believe that students can improve their writing skills and raise their interest in language study by formulating a letter-writing habit."
"We received a very encouraging response from schools and students this year," added Mr. CHOI. "Nearly three thousand entries from around one hundred primary schools and secondary schools were received, and all are of high standard. The content of these letters covers a wide spectrum, including touching letters to relatives, encouraging letters to children and even invitation letters to visit a postal administration, all of which reflect the wonderful creativity of youngsters."
Three members of the judging panel, Dr. Philip BENSON, Ms. Junia HO and Professor SIN Chow Yiu, presented awards to the 20 merit winners. The event ambassador, Ms. Karena LAM, presented awards to the three grand prize winners of the Chinese group. The officiating guest, Hon. CHEUNG Man Kwong, presented awards to the three grand prize winners of the English group. Mr. Dan CHOI presented trophies to the grand champion and to the three Best Participating School Award winners.
The grand champion also represents Hong Kong, China, in the Universal Postal Union's International Letter-Writing Competition, competing against the best young writers from other participating countries. The results of this competition are expected to be announced in August.
Ends/Thursday, June 1, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:13
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