This will mean that a total of 56 FTRs will have been re-equipped with brand new equipment, and that more than 20 rooms have been completely renovated.

Over $9 million has been spent on the equipment which replaces the items which were purchased when FTRs were originally established back in 1984/5. 1

Inspector Jim Walker of S&R DIV has been in charge of the project, the first phase of which started in early 1998 with the overhaul of the gym at PHQ and 19 District HQs across all six police Regions. In late 1998 phase II was completed with 23 of the larger divisional stations being re-equipped.

By spring this year the remainder of divisional stations/bases will receive their new gear.

Another order for 14 multi-gyms has been placed for larger stations to go with the 20 already purchased. These machines are hugely popular and provide a thorough and safe workout for everyone. In addition, an extra order of bikes and rowing machines has been placed.

There is also good news for stations at Tsz Wan Shan, Pat Heung, Lantau South, plus PTU HQ, Hong Kong Crime HQ and Kai Tak Operational Base. These formations will be developing new fitness rooms later in the year which will open for use as soon as work is complete, as there is no need to wait for new equipment to arrive. Ultimately, new equipment has been delivered to 99 per cent of all HQs/stations/bases in the Force.

"It's been a great project to be involved with, and a pleasure to be able to do something positive, as more often than not a police officer's work deals with the more negative aspects of life," said Inspector Walker.

"The project also dovetails nicely with the Healthy Lifestyle Strategy in providing Force members with solid facilities in a decent environment in which to regularly train.

"The gym at PHQ is obviously the best, but the FTR at Tuen Mun Police Station is out-of-this-world - but the facilities at Tsim Sha Tsui, Cheung Sha Wan, Tsuen Wan, Tai Po, Kwun Tong, North Point, MED and Marine South District are fantastic too," added IP Walker.

"Mimi Lam and Ivan Lee at Planning & Development have helped a lot by liaising with Architectural Services, and a number of individuals in police stations have been tremendous in helping make their fitness facilities as good as possible," said IP Walker thanking Danny Lawley in Tuen Mun, Annie Fonda in TKO, Fred Lau in TST, S/SGT Yu Y K in Kwun Tong, Dave Donnelly in North Point, Susanna Chan in Ma On Shan, and Sergeant Sham Wing-ming of S&R Division.

Participating teams were: Lai Chi Kok Fire Station, Sham Shui Po Police District, CSD Emergency Support Group and Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre.

After a series of exciting heats, Sham Shui Po Police District met Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre in the final ¡Ð which was battled out at the Tai Hang Tung Recreation Ground on 29 January under warm but dry skies.

The match was as close as it gets with Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre beating Cheung Sha Wan Police Station with a score of 1:0.

Both players and spectators enjoyed an exciting and fun-filled afternoon, with CSP LCKRC Chan Chun-yan presenting the trophies.

On hand were members of the Hong Kong Amateur Karate-Do Association who delegated 20 referees especially for the Kata and Kumite team competitions which were contested at a professional level.

Grand Master of Japan Seitokukan, Mamoru Morita, was also in attendance to provide technical advice for the event.

Champions emerging from the series of keen competitions included Force Karate-Do Club representatives Ng Ka-lun, who won the men's individual Kumite; and Yeung Sau-hung, who ended the tournament as first runner-up in the ladies' Kata.

The success of the invitation was due in great degree to the efforts of organising committee members Li Kwong-wing, Sham Ying-ho, Wong Kwok-wah, Yuen Kwok-kwong, Chan Kwok-wah, and Fong Pui-man.