Basket cases: The Leisure & Cultural Services Department now offers new courses for students to brush up their skills in basketball.

About 600 secondary-school students will partake in a two-day five-a-side basketball marathon competition at Yuen Wo Road Sports Centre in Sha Tin to test their skills and potential in the sport.

They have already been trained in the basic skills required through new courses introduced by the Leisure & Cultural Services Department under the School Sports Programme.

Coaches were drawn from the HK Junior Squad and the HK Basketball Team.

Acting Assistant Director of Leisure & Cultural Services Paul Cheung presented certificates of attendance to the students today.

He hoped the trainees will upgrade the overall standard of their school teams by sharing with teammates what they have learned in the courses.    

Some 180 students who distinguished themselves in the competition will be selected to receive more intensive training from October.

More details on the School Sports Programme are available on the department's website.