6,000 Athletes to Compete in Largest-Ever HK Dragon Boat Carnival

This July (2, 4 to 8 July 2012), the waters of Victoria Harbour will turn into an expansive battleground, with thousands of dragon boat racers fighting for the sport’s highest accolades in the Hong Kong Dragon Carnival, jointly launched by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Association (HKDBA).

Running for the third consecutive year, this mega event will see the return of the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races and the San Miguel BeerFest. It will also feature the Lee Kum Kee 8th IDBF Club Crew World Championships (CCWC), one of the sport’s most important championships. This is the first time ever for Hong Kong to play host to this big-time sport event. Bringing together thousands of athletes from different countries and regions, along with the excitement of a summer party, the carnival is set to give loads of splashing fun to Hong Kong residents and visitors.

HKTB Chairman Mr James Tien said, “Armed with our experience in staging the carnival during the past two years, we are going to expand the event this year, adding the CCWC. The championships – held in Hong Kong for the first time – will set a new milestone in Hong Kong’s history of dragon boat racing, which goes back more than three decades, when the city hosted the first modern dragon boat race. Attracting the best rowers from around the world, the carnival will not just showcase Hong Kong’s capacity for hosting world-class, international sports events, but also attract extensive media coverage. The enhanced image of Hong Kong as an events capital will certainly bring long-term benefits for the city’s tourism.”

HKDBA Chairman Dr Raymond Ma added, “The Races will bring a considerable number of dragon boat teams from the global arena, and therefore consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a world capital of modern dragon boat racing. We are grateful for the assistance of our partners and supporting organisations for making this year’s carnival possible.”

The Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races and the CCWC will be held in Victoria Harbour, off Tsim Sha Tsui East, with more than 6,000 athletes taking part.

Overflowing Beer, Food and Entertainment at BeerFest

On 2 July, a public holiday, and from 6 to 8 July, the San Miguel BeerFest will be held in the UC Centenary Garden to serve race paddlers and spectators, as well as visitors and local residents who want to have a good time. Admission is free and participants can order beer and snacks while enjoying non-stop performances by singers, bands and DJs from Asia, beer drinking competitions, cosplay shows, and more.

Besides watching the great dragon boat competitions, children and adults alike can take pictures with three McDull-themed dragon boats at the Ocean Terminal Forecourt in Harbour City and the Avenue of Stars. Those who would like to try “paddling” can sit in one of the boats carrying statues of McDull and two of his friends.

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