Facilities at Hong Kong Stadium are continually maintained and improved by the department through a series of works programmes. The pitch is kept in top-class condition for staging international events, receiving praise from both local and visiting athletes. The department will complete the replacement work for the public address system in early 2006 to improve the stadium's acoustic quality, which enables the department to boost the usage of the stadium by accepting bookings for non-sporting events such as carnivals, religious events and charity shows in a more flexible way and attain a wider variety of uses for the stadium.

Thirty-five events were held at the stadium during the year, attracting an aggregate attendance of 435 000. Major events included the Carlsberg Cup 2005, the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2005, Grand Promenade Cup — Kitchee versus Juventus, the ING Manchester United Cup and Welcoming the Delegation of Shenzhou-6 Manned Space Flight Mission Variety Show.

	Cheer teams dressed in colourful costumes added to the festive atmosphere of the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2005.

	An exciting moment at the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2005.

	Welcoming the Delegation of Shenzhou-6 Manned Space Flight Mission Variety Show.

New Gymnastics Training Hall at the Shun Lee Tsuen Sports Centre

The secondary hall of the Shun Lee Tsuen Sports Centre in Kwun Tong District has been converted into a new gymnastics training hall, and opened for use on December 15. It is equipped with a wide range of gymnastics equipment, including ceiling rings, horizontal bars, parallel bars, uneven bars, pommel horse, balance beam, vaulting table and exercise floor covering an area of 780 square metres at a cost of $8.5 million. The hall provides a dedicated gymnastics training venue for gymnastics organisations including the national squad, schools and members of the public.

	The gymnastics training hall of Shun Lee Tsuen Sports Centre provides gymnasts with a permanent and specialised training venue.