MEDIV clinches championship
Eight teams from different marine formations, namely MEDIV, MSDIV, MWDIV, MNDIV, MHDIV, MHQ, CCDIV and SBDIV, took part in the "Five-A-Side Indoor Soccer Championship" at this year's Marine Regional Sports Day held at the indoor games hall of Police Sports & Recreation Club on September 9.
The teams showed a lot of sportsmanship and team spirit as they competed for the championship before a large number of spectators, who consisted of discipline and civilian colleagues, as well as their families and friends.
A total of 16 keen matches were played in a round robin format after SSP ADM MAR had officiated at the kick-off ceremony. Marine Regional Commander Au Hok-lam and his senior staff were on hand to cheer on the players.
The day ended with Marine East Division taking the Marine Regional Commander Trophy, which was presented by Mr Au. Small Boat Division and Marine South Division settled for the first and the second runners up respectively.
Acting Chief Inspector Stanley Yu, who chaired the organising and co-ordinating committee for the event, has this to say about the event: "This year's format is different from that in the past. As soccer is the most popular sport locally, five-a-side soccer competition is introduced as the theme of the day to draw more participation in such a healthy sport. The unlimited player substitutions, reduced play time and small space required had made this sport more exciting and appealing."
Mr Yu pointed out that the regional management attaches importance to officers' physical and mental developments, and endeavours to squeeze time and opportunities for group activities to promote communication, mutual understanding, cohesion and camaraderie.
"As a matter of fact, the keen competition on the pitch and spectators' cheering showed that the event was very successful and had achieved its objectives. Everybody had a great time, thanks to the efforts and support by the parties concerned in getting the event off the ground!" Mr Yu concluded.
The champions with officiating guests
DRC MAR Kong Shing-shun and DC MPDIST Charles Mitchell cheer on the players
RC MAR Au Hok-lam arrives to share thrill and fun with colleagues
SSP OPS MAR Pang Moon-kwan poised to save a fierce shot
Five-a-side soccer calls for a lot of dribbling skills