Hong Kong's greatest triumph in the China Mathematical Olympiad for Girls
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    A team of talented secondary school girls has achieved the best ever result for Hong Kong by winning one gold, one silver and six bronzes at the fifth China Mathematical Olympiad for Girls (CGMO 2006) in Xinjiang, China.

     A spokesman for the Education and Manpower Bureau (EMB) said today (August 12), "This is the best performance of Hong Kong since it took part in this contest four years ago, breaking its previous record of seizing three bronzes in one single attempt. Among the medalists, Pun Ying grabbed the first gold for the Hong Kong female team in cross-territory mathematical competitions.

     "The eight team members are student members of the Support Measures for the Exceptionally Gifted Students Scheme under the EMB."

     Since its inception in 2000, the Scheme has provided structured enhancement programmes in mathematics, sciences, humanities and leadership, and assist student members in nurturing their potential and whole-person development to the fullest. Three phases of thematic mathematics training, with five to six sessions each, were organised from April this year to enhance their competence and confidence. Members of the Hong Kong team also took part in it before the CGMO 2006.

     Held between August 7 and 11, the CGMO 2006 was hosted by the China Mathematical Society Olympiad Committee in Wulumuqi, Xinjiang. A total of 38 teams, composed of 142 mathematically talented secondary students, from different provinces and cities took part in the event.  

     The CGMO aimed to foster girls' interest and initiative in mathematics and open up a new arena for them to make advancement through competitions and interactions with their talented counterparts. The event also offered valuable opportunities for the Hong Kong contestants to get better acquainted with their motherland through learning and interacting with the gifted peers from different provinces. These experiences helped boost their sense of national identity.

     This year, Ms Luk Mee-lin, a mathematics teacher, and Ms Wong Wan-ha, Project Officer of EMB, were the leader and deputy leader of the Hong Kong team respectively.

     Hong Kong team members are as follows:

Name              Class  School Name           Award
-------           -----  ----------------      --------
Pun Ying Anna     S7     Shun Tak Fraternal    Gold
                         Association Leung
                         Kau Kui College
Yip Ling Jennifer S6     St Paul's Secondary   Silver
                         School        
Chan Fong-nei     S5     Tsuen Wan Government  Bronze
                         Secondary School
Lai Tsz-kwan      S5     Belilios Public       Bronze
                         School          
Lam Hiu-yi        S6     The Church of         Bronze
                         Christ in China    
                         Heep Woh College
Lee Ka-yee        S7     TWGHs Lee Ching Dea   Bronze
                         Memorial College
Leung Wing-pan    S4     Hoi Ping Chamber      Bronze
                         of Commerce  
                         Secondary School
Wei Xiaoyao       S4     Pui Ching Middle      Bronze
                         School        

     For details of the event, please visit the homepage of the Support Measures for the Exceptionally Gifted Students Scheme (http://gifted.hkedcity.net).

Ends/Saturday, August 12, 2006
Issued at HKT 15:39

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