Members of the Asian Business Network Association announced that they will start accepting nominations for 2016 Chinese Canadian Legend Awards on May 6 in Markham. This year's award will honor six Chinese Canadians for significant contributions to Canada and the world. NA LI / CHINA DAILY

The Asian Business Network Association (ABNA) is starting to accept nominations for the 2016 Chinese Canadian Legend (CCL) Award.

With a theme of "Change with Change to Succeed", this year's award will honor six Chinese Canadians for their contributions to Canada and the worldwide community, ABNA said on May 6.

"ABNA is proud to present the award for the 17th year," said Bammy Wong, president of the ABNA. "Since 2000, there are 100 outstanding individuals who have received the prestigious award; alongside, a book was published each year to showcase their passion, courage and achievements."

Alexandra Ngan, co-chairwoman of the organizing committee, said this year's theme was inspired by the TV series: Limelight Years.

The opening dialogue of that series says that if life were a stage, that stage would be full of traps. At any moment, actors and actresses walking on stage could be snared and could fall down, but if they don't give up, they could have a chance to turn their lives around.

"Through the selection of Chinese Canadian Legends who have extraordinary achievements and contributions to the community, we want to encourage everyone to rise above challenges and change with change to succeed in the face of adversity," Ngan added.

According to Stanley Kwan, chairman of the Nomination Committee, the nominations are open to anyone, regardless of position, gender, age or income level, as long as the nominee agrees to be nominated. The committee will consider nominees' personal struggles to succeed despite adverse conditions; their fearless and courageous spirit, achievements and contributions; and their motivating impact on their friends and the community.

Over the past few years, the book collections of the awards recipients' stories titled Chinese Canadian Legends have provided inspiration and motivation for change in the community. The books also have become an invaluable reference for ongoing research on Chinese Canadian immigrants and are being collected by scholars and students.

The 17th CCL award gala will be held on Nov 12th at the Sheraton Parkway Hotel in Richmond Hill.

renali@chinadailyusa.com