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The District Sports Training Scheme, launched in 2000, had achieved impressive results in training young athletic talent and upgrading standards of play at the district level, according to Deputy Director of Leisure and Cultural Services (Leisure Services) Mr Alan Siu who was speaking today (March 14) at the Grand Prize Presentation Ceremony of District Sports Teams and Inter-district Football Tournament Kick-off Ceremony at Shek Kip Mei Park Sports Centre.

The scheme for people aged 13 or above, has so far attracted more than 15,000 participants.More than 80 basketball players have been selected to junior squad members of the Hong Kong Basketball Association," Mr Siu said.

"Last year, all 18 district football teams enabled by subsidises by the District Councils, participated in the Hong Kong Football Third Division League," he added.

Badminton, basketball, football and table tennis teams were formed under the scheme jointly organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Hong Kong Badminton Association, Hong Kong Basketball Association, Hong Kong Football Association and Hong Kong Table Tennis Association to generate community interest in sports and promote a sense of belonging within district communities.

Prizes were presented today to the champion teams in the subsequent inter-district competitions in badminton, basketball and table tennis.

The Inter-district Football Tournament started today after the prize presentation ceremony.

The winning teams in the inter-district badminton, basketball and table tennis competitions were:

Inter-district Badminton Competition

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Champion - Eastern District Badminton Team

1st runner-up - Southern District Badminton Team

2nd runner-up - Sai Kung District Badminton Team

3rd runner-up - Yuen Long District Badminton Team

Inter-district Basketball Competition

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Champion - Kwun Tong District Basketball Team

1st runner-up - Kwai Tsing District Basketball Team

2nd runner-up - Tuen Mun District Basketball Team

3rd runner-up - Central and Western District Basketball Team

Inter-district Table Tennis Competition

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Champion - Tsuen Wan District Table Tennis Team

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

2nd runner-up - Tai Po District Table Tennis Team

3rd runner-up - Sai Kung District Table Tennis Team

Ends/Sunday, March 14, 2004

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