Twenty-four youngsters are engaged in a wholesome hobby with the help of the Force's youth project, "Operation Breakthrough", receiving coaching in basketball.

Breakthrough Basketball had a modest start in Tuen Mun District in October last year, with 18 youths referred by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG), and since then the number of participants has increased to 24. All the youths referred to the Breakthrough Basketball Programme have been subjects of the Superintendent's Discretion Scheme and have been vetted to confirm their suitability for the programme by HKFYG.

Basketball coaching takes place weekly under the supervision of at least four "coaches" from a pool of 14 appointed "Police Ambassadors" - police officers working mainly in New Territories North Formations who play or are interested in basketball - as well as three coaches from Operation Breakthrough's sponsors, Adidas. Social workers from HKFYG also attend to monitor the youths' progress.

Two months later in December 2007, the basketball programme was extended to Tsuen Wan District (TWDIST), where 15 youngsters referred by HKFYG were recruited into the programme. Assisting with the programme are 15 "Police Ambassadors" working mainly in TWDIST. Again, the recruits have been subjects of the Superintendent's Discretion Scheme and have been vetted to confirm their suitability for the programme by HKFYG. Training also takes place weekly.

The aims of Operation Breakthrough are to provide sporting and other activities, including self-development courses, for young people who are at risk. The activities, run by serving police officers on a voluntary basis with the assistance of social workers, are aimed at making a difference to the lives of young people, especially those vulnerable to deviant or delinquent behaviours.

Operation Breakthrough's programme now covers rugby, football, boxing, dance classes, Outward Bound courses, sailing, dragon boat, volleyball and now basketball and has made a marked difference to the lives and characters of hundreds of disadvantaged youths who were hitherto vulnerable to recidivism.

The interaction between Operation Breakthrough kids and their police mentors is a two-way process. In providing guidance and mentorship to the kids, Breakthrough focuses on the human element to policing, assisting police officers to understand and address the needs of the community in line with the Force's strategic direction on "Engaging the Community", as well as enhancing officers' personal qualities through a social commitment.

Whilst still in its infancy, the Breakthrough Basketball Programme has room for expansion and Operation Breakthrough hopes to establish at least one basketball programme in each Region. Officers wishing to assist with this endeavour should be prepared to sacrifice their free time to serve the disadvantaged youths and have an interest in basketball. They will be appointed as "Police Ambassadors" in recognition of their volunteer service.

In the short term, Operation Breakthrough aims to train members of its basketball programme to a standard whereby they can play in a local or inter-district league. This objective will bring the members a sense of achievement and make for their self-development through teamwork and competitions.

Those interested in setting up a similar Breakthrough Basketball Programme in their districts may contact Tuen Mun Deputy District Commander Dave Grant on 2465-5282 or at ddc-tmdist@police.gov.hk.

Breakthrough kids receiving coaching by officers

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