The Social Welfare Department today (November 5) announced the winners of the two-year projects (2018-20) and one-year projects (2019-20) at the 2020 Award Presentation Ceremony of the Opportunities for the Elderly Project (OEP). The winning organisations and volunteers were commended for their outstanding performance at today's event, which aimed to enhance intergenerational harmony and promote respect and care for elderly people. In view of the recent pandemic situation, the ceremony, in a change from the practice adopted in previous years, was held via live webcast.
 
     Giving a pre-recorded video speech, the Chairman of the OEP Advisory Committee, Professor Diana Lee, said that the number of applications for two-year projects (2020-22) increased by 80 per cent when compared with the figure for 2018-20. She said it is encouraging to see the OEP gaining popularity.
 
     The Chairman of the Elderly Commission, Dr Lam Ching-choi, spoke in a pre-recorded video message on the ways to live life to the fullest. He called on elderly people to do more exercise to maintain their physical and psychological health, live a positive and optimistic life, and embrace new things and continue to serve the community. He also encouraged the public to visit the Facebook page of the OEP to gain access to useful information.
 
     In an animated video, the Director of Social Welfare, Mr Gordon Leung, and Dr Lam, dressed as a bowler and a cyclist respectively, announced the Champions of the Hong Kong Best OEP Award of the two-year projects and one-year projects.
　　
     The Champion of the Hong Kong Best OEP Award of the one-year projects was Caritas Cheng Shing Fung District Elderly Centre (Sham Shui Po), which organised a programme to promote neighbourhood spirit in Sham Shui Po. Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service Tai Po Baptist Church Au Cheung Sau Fong Neighbourhood Elderly Centre, which runs a programme to enhance intergenerational relations, was the winner of the two-year projects.
 
     The Honorary OEP Ambassador, Anderson Junior, continued to serve as the master of ceremonies of the online event. Having assisted in promotion of the OEP in recent years, he said he was deeply moved by the enthusiasm of many elderly people who, even when reaching the age of almost 100 or having mobility problems, still participated actively in the OEP and served the community.
 
     Through subsidising social service organisations, district organisations and educational institutes to carry out a wide range of activities, the OEP has been providing various opportunities for elderly people to unleash their potential to contribute to society and cultivate a sense of self-worthiness. The completed programmes in 2018-19 (one-year project), 2019-20 (one-year project) and 2018-20 (two-year project) amounted to 238, 265 and 102 respectively. A total of 605 programmes offered abundant opportunities for elderly people to take part in community affairs.
 
     For details of the OEP and an archived recording of today's event, please visit the OEP Facebook page (www.facebook.com/OpportunitiesForTheElderlyProject).

Ends/Thursday, November 5, 2020
Issued at HKT 16:30

NNNN