Standard Chartered Bank extended its support to the successful Hong Kong youth charity initiative, Operation Breakthrough, with a donation of $250,000 presented at the Police Sports and Recreation Club on March 30.

Operation Breakthrough Chairman, Senior Assistant Commissioner Mike Dowie, accepted the donation.

In keeping with the rugby theme of the donation, Standard Chartered hosted a trio of rugby legends to help train and inspire the at-risk youths enrolled in Operation Breakthrough's rugby programme, including the world's most famous rugby player, former New Zealand All Black Jonah Lomu.

Also in attendance were Francois Pienaar, captain of the 1995 Rugby World Cup champions South Africa, and Jason Leonard, one of the rugby world's most capped players and a key member of the 2003 Rugby World Cup champions England. Joining these rugby stars were Mr Peter Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank (HK) Limited, and Mr Trevor Gregory, Chairman of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union.

Speaking at the presentation, Mr Sullivan said: "At Standard Chartered we have a long history of supporting the communities in which we operate. Standard Chartered first began its support of Operation Breakthrough in 2005, making the charity the beneficiary of our British Lions Dinner - an event which was kicked-off in memorable style by the Breakthrough rugby boys joining in the famed New Zealand rugby challenge, the Haka, with All Black legend Sean Fitzpatrick.

"Since then Operation Breakthrough has continued to grow, as have the financial demands of the programme. Again Standard Chartered Bank is delighted to step into the breach to support this vital programme and help these promising youngsters make a breakthrough in their personal lives," added Mr Sullivan.

Prior to the presentation, Lomu, Pienaar and Leonard shared some personal time with the youths involved in the Operation Breakthrough rugby programme, putting them through their rugby paces in a private training session, but most importantly, sharing some motivational insights and advice on how to steer clear of the challenges facing these at-risk youths to help them sidestep trouble in the future.

Operation Breakthrough goes from strength to strength. Its various programmes now cover approximately 400 youngsters, including rugby, soccer, boxing, sailing, dragon boat racing, lion dance as well as contemporary dance and volleyball for girls. The Operation Breakthrough directors (a combination of serving, retired and ex-police officers) wish to thank the participating police districts, supporting non-governmental organisations and volunteer police officers for their help in identifying needy youngsters for the programmes as well as assisting with the logistics and acting as excellent role models.

Any police officers who wish to offer their services as additional volunteers with the aim of steering youngsters-at-risk from committing crime or re-offending are most welcome.

Mr Dowie accepts the donation from Mr Sullivan (right).

• English version only