At the ceremony, Deputy Commissioner (Management) Fung Siu-yuen presented bronze awards to 488 young people, mostly JPC members, in recognition of their outstanding performances and enthusiasm in the HKAYP Scheme.

Congratulating the award-recipients, Mr Fung said young persons, through their hard work and perseverance, learned new skills, the importance of service to community and the development of a better society. They could also strengthen their interpersonal communication skills and develop self-control and personal interests through different training programmes, team building and excursion activities, he added.

"Training provides a very solid platform and paves the way for young persons to set and, more significantly achieve goals, and become 'mentors' to other young persons along the way.

"Police have joined hands with various organisations, including schools, youth groups, Education and Manpower Bureau and Social Welfare Department, to create a healthy social environment for our youngsters," Mr Fung noted.

Other officiating guests at the presentation ceremony included HKAYP Award Council Chairman, Mr Paul Fan, and Assistant Commissioner (Training) David Thomas.

Mr Fan presented Certificates of Appreciation to 19 HKAYP instructors in recognition of their excellent work and continued support, while Mr Thomas presented Certificates of Appointment to 35 expedition-training instructors, some of whom are serving police officers.

The HKAYP Scheme was launched in 1961 for young people between the ages of 14 and 25, with the objective of building up their confidence and leadership. Participants of the scheme will be awarded gold, silver and bronze medals upon completing specified activities in skills, services, expeditions and recreational activities.

The presentation ceremony also marked the 25th anniversary of the Hong Kong Police Operating Authority, which is one of the 18 operating authorities established under the HKAYP Scheme. Since its establishment in 1979, the Force's operating authority has given strong support to the scheme.

Kowloon West Regional Commander Lee Ka-chiu (left) joins Deputy Commissioner (Management) Fung Siu-yuen in congratulating the award winners