Tonight (28 February 2006) Hong Kong's elite athletes basked in the limelight and enjoyed a glittering Oscars-style ceremony in recognition of their outstanding achievements in the past year in the Grand Hall of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre at Wanchai during the Hong Kong Sports Stars Awards 2005 Presentation Ceremony.

Organized by the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, the Awards acknowledged our sports heroes and heroines in six categories Tribute was paid to the athletes and teams, witnessed by celebrities, distinguished government officials, entertainment personalities and sports leaders from Members Associations of the Federation in this prestigious occasion. President FOK in his welcome address praised the brilliant performances and successful achievements of Hong Kong athletes in last year's three multi-sports Games, which brought pride and glories to the Hong Kong Sports Fraternity.

Winners in each of the six categories emerged from dozens of nominees. 146 nominations were received from 29 National Sports Associations in this year's Award. There were a total of 128 individual athletes, one team only sports and 17 team events. These athletes and teams were all stars of their own sport and were nominated for their outstanding performances and sportsmanship in international competitions. The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the eight top athletes in the senior category.

In the senior category, five out of eight winners were first-time recipients of the Hong Kong Sports Stars Awards, namely swimmers SZE Hang Yu and SUEN Ka Yi, runner TANG Yik Chun, table tennis player LIN Ling and shooter WONG Fai. Shooting recaptured the Awards after Gilbert Yu won the Award 1987. Cyclist WONG Kam Po and badminton queen WANG Chen were among the winners once again this year, while SO Wa Wai (sport for physically disabled-athletics) was once again one of the winners this year.

Looking at the overall results, Cycling sweeping four trophies including one in the Sports Stars Awards, two in the Junior Sports Stars Awards and one in the Potential Sports Stars Awards, was the biggest winner in this year's Awards.

The results of the Hong Kong Sports Stars Awards 2005 are summarized at the Appendix.

Last but not least, the Federation would like to thank Manulife (International) Limited; Samsung Electronics H. K. Co. Ltd.; Kowloon Motor Bus (1933) Co. Ltd.; Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd.; Oriental Daily News and The Sun; and Television Broadcasts Limited. Without their generous support, this event would not have been so successful.

Details of the winners' profiles could be found on the Federation's official website at www.hkolympic.org. For enquiries, please contact the Federation's Secretariat at 2891-3106.

Issued by: Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China