Commending the awardees, Mr Fung said that they had learnt, during the award qualifying process, how to cope with new challenges, get along with new friends and divide their time between studies and extra-curricular activities.

"They have also enhanced their inter-personal skills and self-control through team-building and enriched their experience which will help them become responsible citizens," he added.

During the presentation ceremony, Assistant Commissioner (Training) Tse Shu-chun presented Certificates of Appreciation to 10 instructors in recognition of their commitment and dedication to the HKAYP scheme in the past two years.

The HKAYP scheme was launched in 1961 to build up young people's confidence and develop their potential. Participants of the scheme, who are normally between the ages of 14 and 25, will be awarded gold, silver or bronze medals after completing specified activities in skills, service, expedition and physical recreation.

The Force first organised HKAYP activities at the former Police Cadet School in 1973, and established the Hong Kong Police Operating Authority (HKPOA) in 1979 to coordinate relevant activities.

Being one of the 18 operating authorities of the HKAYP scheme, the HKPOA last year organised activities for some 4,600 young persons, or 10 per cent of the total number of HKAYP scheme participants.

The HKPOA last year organised activities for some 4,600 youngsters under the HKAYP Scheme