Eight secondary school students have won eight bronze medals, the greatest number ever for Hong Kong in the China Mathematical Olympiad 2005 held in Zhengzhou, Henan.

A total of 153 mathematically gifted secondary students from 36 teams participated in the competition, jointly organised by the China Mathematical Society Olympiad Committee, the Editing Department of Zhong Xue Sheng Shu Li Hua and Zhengzhou Foreign Language School between January 20 and 25.

Teams from Hong Kong, Macau and Russia were specially invited to join provinces of China to take part in the competition, which aims to enhance students' standard of mathematics and learning motivation, identify the mathematically gifted and step up mathematics education in the Mainland.

National identity boosted

Visit to cultural relics and historical sites in Zhengzhou were arranged. The Hong Kong team also participated in sharing sessions to acquaint themselves with the Mainland, boost their sense of national identity, and strengthen their communication and inter-personal skills.

The Hong Kong team comprised members of the Support Measures for the Exceptionally Gifted Students Scheme established by the Education & Manpower Bureau in late 2000.

Team members were selected from the International Mathematical Olympiad - Hong Kong Preliminary Contest organised by the scheme. It provides structured enhancement programmes in mathematics and other learning areas to help students develop their potential to the fullest.

The eight bronze-medal winners were:

* Poon Ming-fung (STFA Leung Kau Kui College);

* Siu Ho-chung, Wong Hon-yin and Hui Jack (Queen's College);

*Lee Kar-kwok (Diocesan Boys' School);

* Yim Wing-yin (South Tuen Mun Government Secondary School);

* Fong Pok-wai (SKH Lam Woo Memorial Secondary School); and

* Wong Chiu-wai (St. Joseph's College).