New tournament for schools

Meanwhile, in the other SAR ...

Several Macau schools have joined forces in an effort to improve the quality of sports competition in the region. Sheng Kung Hui, Macao Fong Chong School and the International School of Macao (TIS) announced the formation of a new sports league last week.

The three Taipa-based schools have come together in the hope of providing a better opportunity for students to take part in an inter-school competition.

The programme will involve table tennis, mini soccer, basketball and badminton tournaments for boys and girls aged eight to 16. Mini soccer and table tennis will run through till March, followed by basketball and badminton.

TIS principal Real Hryhirchuk said the new sports league was an excellent opportunity for students. 'This league is something all three schools really wanted and needed,' Mr Hryhirchuk said.

'Not only does it enable our students to compete against each other and improve their own standards, but it also helps them to make new friends through competitive sports.'

The start of the mini soccer tournament has been delayed as harsh weather prevented last week's soccer matches.

Now the matches will take place on February 22, February 29 and March 7 from 3.30pm to 5.30pm at TIS. Tournaments will follow a round robin format.

The table tennis tournaments are singles matches only and the winner will be determined after three games. The games are scheduled for March 3 at Sheng Keng Hui and March 10 at TIS. Teachers from the three schools will serve as referees at the mini soccer and table tennis tournaments.