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Joga 3, a three-a-side football game first played in South America, is a sport that suits Hong Kong people's pursuit of healthy exercise because of its fast pace, exciting atmosphere, simple rules and relative ease in forming teams and finding venues.
It is a three-on-three game which makes it easy to get six players. A pitch of 15 metres by 11 metres can be marked off on any hard surface, such as a playground or hall.
Other features of Joga 3 are that each game lasts only three minutes and there is no goalkeeper. "Off-side rule" does not apply. No time will be added in case of a draw and "sudden death" will be adopted for ensuing penalty kicks.
All these features and the small size of the pitch call for lightning speed and aggressive play that keep both players and spectators excited throughout the game.
To further promote this sport in Hong Kong, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) is organising a series of Joga 3 football fun days and competitions in various districts from now to December with the assistance of the Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA).
Participants in the fun days will have the opportunity to learn the basic skills and rules of Joga 3 from HKFA coaches free of charge. They will then practise and play in groups.
Enrolment in the competitions, also free, is for teams of three with up to two substitute members. Matches are held in five categories: Open (aged 19 or above), Youth (aged between 16 and 18), Junior (aged between 13 and 15), Children (aged 12 or under), and Parent-child (at least one adult aged 18 or above to be accompanied by at least one family member aged 6 to 17). The parent-child category is also aimed at fostering family unity and co-operation.
Enrolment for the Joga 3 football fun days and competitions in 12 districts is open. Interested parties wishing to get enrolment details in these districts are welcome to visit the LCSD website at http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/MonthlyProg/Ls/indexc.html.
Joga 3 pitches are provided at the LCSD's sports facilities in Yuen Long, Kwun Tong and Islands Districts. Booking of these pitches can be made at the respective LCSD's District Leisure Services Offices.
Ends/Saturday, August 18, 2007
Issued at HKT 11:00
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