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Thousands of people from all over Hong Kong have represented their own districts in hotly contested inter-district matches in various ball games since 2000, after receiving formal coaching under the District Sports Teams Training Scheme launched by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD).
In 2006/07, the Scheme offered training in basketball, volleyball, handball and football to 2,200 teenagers who had already acquired the basic skills in the sports of their choice.
The trainees' skills were upgraded through systematic training by the respective local National Sports Associations. On completion of training, the trainees would represent their respective districts in the annual inter-district competitions.
Speaking at the Grand Prize Presentation Ceremony of the 2006/07 District Sports Teams Training Scheme at Shek Kip Mei Park Sports Centre today (March 11), Chief Leisure Manager (Sports Development) of the LCSD, Mrs Annie Choy, said the scheme helped promote the policy of "sports for all", encouraged sports participation at the district level, enhanced standard of play in the districts, and identified and nurtured young sports talent.
For example, more than 130 District Basketball Teams members had been selected so far to undergo further training with the Hong Kong Basketball Association’s Youth Squad.
The other officiating guests at today's prize presentation ceremony were the Chairlady of the Handball Association of Hong Kong, China, Ms Marina Tsui; Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong Basketball Association, Mr Ng Chung; and Honorary Secretary of the Volleyball Association of Hong Kong, China, Mr Cheung Chi-Wai.
Representatives from the 18 District Councils and District Sports Associations also attended the ceremony.
Prizes were presented today to the winning teams in the 2006/07 inter-district competitions in basketball, volleyball and handball. The inter-district football matches had just begun and were due to finish in May.
The winning basketball, volleyball and handball teams were:
Inter-district Basketball Competition
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Champion ― Wan Chai District Basketball Team
1st runner-up - Tai Po District Basketball Team
2nd runner-up ― Kwai Tsing District Basketball Team
3rd runner-up - Sham Shui Po District Basketball Team
Inter-district Volleyball Competition
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Champion - Yuen Long District Volleyball Team
1st runner-up - Central and West District Volleytball Team
2nd runner-up ― Wan Chai District Volleyball Team
3rd runner-up ― Sha Tin District Volleyball Team
Inter-district Handball Competition
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Champion ― Sha Tin District Handball Team
1st runner-up ― East District Handball Team
2nd runner-up ― Sham Shui Po District Handball Team
3rd runner-up ― North District Handball Team
Ends/Sunday, March 11, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:37
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