Additionally, two "Most Valuable Player" awards were given, as were Certificates of Appreciation to eight Police volunteers. The sponsor of the programme - Adidas Hong Kong Ltd - who has actively supported the programme from the outset and kindly donated kit and basketballs was also present and received a commemorative plaque for its support.

The Operation Breakthrough Basketball programme operates with the assistance of social workers from the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, an NGO, operating mainly in the New Territiories, who identify suitable candidates from the Superintendents' Discretion Scheme and monitor their progress through the programme. The participants attend a weekly two-hour coaching session with coaching and mentorship provided by the Police Basketball Club and a number of Police volunteers from various New Territories formations who give up their spare time to ensure the smooth running of the programme, as well as staff from the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups.

Most of the kids come from complicated social backgrounds where they have little opportunity to develop and their qualities have not been recognised. Operation Breakthrough affords them opportunities that they would not otherwise have had.

Self-discipline and confidence are the most noticeable character improvements in those who have participated in the programme followed by visible alertness and positive body language. The sessions have also fostered teamwork and camaraderie.

The Breakthrough Basketball programme now operates in Tuen Mun and Tsuen Wan Districts and has 35 active participants, with many of them starting from scratch. Most of them have now reached a standard where they can play at competition level. To date, four matches have been played and more are planned. Results notwithstanding there is a positive spirit amongst both participants and their mentors and coaches and this worthwhile programme continues to thrive.

Officers from Tuen Mun District giving Operation Breakthrough kids a pre-match briefing