A total of 362 young people, comprising 44 police officers and 318 Junior Police Call members, were presented with the Bronze Awards of the Hong Kong Award for Young People (HKAYP) Scheme by Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Yam Tat-wing and the Chairman of the HKAYP Award Council, Mr Paul Fan, at the Police Sports and Recreation Club on February 10.

Speaking at the award presentation ceremony, Mr Yam praised the awardees for the enthusiasm and outstanding performance they displayed while working hard to qualify for the Bronze Award.

"In the award qualifying process, you learned the importance of teamwork, knew more about self-control and communication skills, and acquired many other new skills. These have laid a foundation for your future development.

"It is not an easy task to get a Bronze Award. In completing the specified activities last year, you worked very hard and with great determination," he noted.

At the same ceremony, Assistant Commissioner (Support) Blaine Hoggard presented Certificates of Appreciation to 133 instructors, including 70 police officers, in recognition of their commitment and dedication to helping young people under the HKAYP Scheme.

The scheme is aimed at building up young people's confidence and developing their potentials. Participants of the scheme are young people aged between 14 and 25. They will be awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze medals at different stages after completing specified activities concerning skills, services, expedition and physical recreation.

The Force's association with the HKAYP Scheme dated back to 1973 when it first organised HKAYP activities at the former Police Cadet School. It established the Hong Kong Police Operating Authority in 1979 to co-ordinate relevant activities. At present, there are 17 similar operating authorities in Hong Kong.

Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Yam Tat-wing with the HKAYP Award winners