The Joint Schools Judo Training Scheme will launch next month to provide training for Hong Kong's future sports elite.

The tailor-made training will suit individual students' abilities, helping them meet specific targets in fitness and technique. It will offer competition opportunities overseas and locally.

The Leisure & Cultural Services Department and the Judo Association of Hong Kong, China, will organise the scheme, providing training for participants nominated by their schools or coaches.

90 selected from pool of 200

A total of 200 nominees from 100 primary and secondary schools took the skills tests today at Lei Yue Mun Sports Centre, and about 90 were selected.

They will undergo six months' training starting in April at the Joint Schools Judo Training Centres in Long Ping Sports Centre in Yeun Long, Tai Po Sports Centre in Tai Po and Kwun Chung Sports Centre in Jordan.

Outstanding trainees will be invited to join the Hong Kong Child Judo Squad to receive more advanced training.

Sports training programme attracts 3,500+ students

Judo is one of the sports promoted under the Joint Schools Sports Training Programme of the Schools Sports Programme jointly organised by the department and the Education & Manpower Bureau.

Since its launch last year, the programme has attracted more than 3,500 students to participate in training in fencing, table tennis, squash, basketball and rowing.

In 2004-05, the programme will introduce training in gymnastics, windsurfing, canoeing, rugby, volleyball and athletics.