CHN - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao joins kids, shows off skills

BEIJING - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao took to the court with school kids last week in honour of the International Children's Day.

The 68-year-old Wen joined pupils at the Shibalidian Primary School in the Chaoyang District of the capital and went through drills before playing halfcourt games.

The Premier's level of play may not be up to the standard set by US President Barack Obama, but he drew cheers as he dribbled the ball between his legs and his made lay-ups were rewarded by loud rounds of applause.

Wen does have something in common with Obama in that both are left-handed when it comes to basketball.

The appearance of the Chinese Prime Minister came on the eve of the International Children's Day on Wednesday 1 June.

"Only when children are healthy, can the country have a good future," Wen is quoted as saying, after telling the youngsters that he was "very happy" to join them.

"We must keep a healthy body in order to better serve the people."

Watch this Chinese state television footage of Wen Jiabao playing basketball

FIBA