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The District Sports Training Scheme has attracted more than 11,000 participants since its launch in 2000, Acting Deputy Director of Leisure and Cultural Services (Leisure Services) Mr Johnny Woo Wai-man said today (March 16).

Mr Woo was speaking at the Grand Prize Presentation Ceremony of District Sports Teams cum Inter-district Football Tournament Kick-off Ceremony at Shek Kip Mei Park Sports Centre.

"Sixty basketball players have been selected to train with junior squad members of the Hong Kong Basketball Association," Mr Woo said. "In addition, district football teams from 11 districts have participated in the Hong Kong Football Third Division League,"

The scheme, for those over 13, aims to upgrade the standard of sports, generate community interest in sports and promote a sense of belonging within district communities.

Badminton, basketball, table tennis, and football teams were formed under the scheme, jointly organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Hong Kong Badminton Association, Hong Kong Basketball Association, Hong Kong Football Association and Hong Kong Table Tennis Association.

After this year's district badminton, basketball, and table tennis teams which emerged victorious after weeks of highly competitive matches received their prizes, 18 district football teams started the Inter-district Football Tournament.

The winning teams in the district sports competitions are as follows:

Inter-district Basketball Competition

Champion Kwun Tong District Basketball Team

1st runner-up Tuen Mun District Basketball Team

2nd runner-up Northern District Basketball Team

3rd runner-up Yau Tsim Mong District Basketball Team

Inter-district Badminton Competition

Champion Northern District Badminton Team

1st runner-up Wong Tai Sin District Badminton Team

2nd runner-up Kwun Tong District Badminton Team

3rd runner-up Sai Kung District Badminton Team

Inter-district Table Tennis Competition

Champion Shatin District Table Tennis Team

1st runner-up Wong Tai Sin District Table Tennis Team

2nd runner-up Tsuen Wan Tong District Table Tennis Team

3rd runner-up Tai Po District Table Tennis Team

End/Sunday, March 16, 2003

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