XN000022-1975-04-08 — Page 6

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Recipients of the gold award in the Government House ceremony

will be young men and women between 18 and 25. After the presentations,

the Duke will mingle with them and exchange a few words.

Besides Hong Kong, the scheme is in operation in more than 40

countries, within and outside the Commonwealth.

In Hong Kong, the scheme is administered by an award committee

appointed by the Governor. This committee, through its co-ordinating

committee, keeps in close contact with various organisations

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operating authorities involved in the scheme to ensure a uniform standard

of performance.

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Participants entering the scheme through the operating authorities

come from a cross-section of the community. They include clerks, industrial

workers, nurses, teachers, apprentices, and students from the Polytechnic,

colleges and commercial schools.

The physically-handicapped are encouraged by rehabilitation centres

and hospitals to join the scheme under special provisions which are made

to vary the way in which the handicapped meet physical demands. Variations

are designed to offer them the opportunity to gain an award on equal

terms with the able-bodied.

Since the scheme began in Hong Kong in 1961 up to March 31, 1974,

10,044 young people have taken part.

A total of 5,866 bronze awards were made during this period, 1,022

silver awards, and 136 gold awards.

Hong Kong will be the host country for the third Commonwealth Gold

Award Expedition later this year. Arrangements for the Expedition are

being organised by a committee under the chairmanship of Sir Kenneth Ping-

fan Fung.

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