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In Hong Kong, there are approximately 1200 people playing the game of Netball at various levels. The Hong Kong Netball League has 3 divisions and runs from October to April every year. Inter-school competitions are held every year in which local, English and international schools participate. There are also The Netball Development Tournament and Festival of Sports Netball Tournament in which many local Chinese netballers make their debut appearance. In 2001, the 1st Inter-Varsity Netball tournament was held and is the first ever of its kind with a men's section officially incorporated in Hong Kong.
Netball is usually played outdoors at school level with the Hong Kong Netball League and university matches being played indoors. Currently there are netball faciliteis at selected venues throughout the country but the Hong Kong Netball Association (HKNA) is eager to increase the number in the near future.
The HKNA is keen to promote the sport and encourage more local people to experience this fast and exciting game. Currently the HKNA is running the "Schools Netball Promotion Programme" which focuses on promotion at secondary schools. Under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department's "Schools Sports Programme" and "Easy Sport Scheme", Netball is promoted throughout primary schools in the region.
Although Netball is still recognized and played mostly by expatriates, there are increasing numbers of local people playing at school and open levels. The HKNA is hoping the promotion programmes will continue and will bring a new image to the sport in the future.
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