The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival, one of the hottest summer events in Asia’s world city, will be held from 3 to 5 July. Organised by the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association (HKCDBA), co-organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board(HKTB), and sponsored by the Mega Events Fund, the carnival features two key programmes, namely the CCB (Asia) Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, which will take place in Victoria Harbour, and the San Miguel BeerFest at the UC Centenary Garden in East Tsim Sha Tsui. While enjoying the world-class races – the oldest event in the history of modern dragon boat racing – visitors and local residents can support disabled artists by joining the CCB (Asia) Row for Charity event. They can also quench their thirst with chilled beer, enjoy spectacular stage performances, and indulge themselves in a bit of nostalgia at the BeerFest, which is decorated in the style of old Hong Kong.
HKTB Chairman Dr Peter Lam said: “The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival is a major programme in the HKTB’s annual summer promotion, attracting paddlers and visitors from around the world. This year, the theme of our summer campaign is ‘SHOP EAT PLAY’. With non-stop action both in the water and on land, the three-day carnival is a great opportunity for both visitors and locals to ‘PLAY’ and have fun. In fact, in addition to the regular dragon boat races, there will be the first-ever ‘Tug-of-War Fun Race’ and a ‘Fancy-Dress Race’, which is making a comeback. The HKTB is deeply grateful for the support of the Mega Events Fund, and of all the sponsors and supporting organisations, especially China Construction Bank (Asia) and San Miguel Brewery Hong Kong Limited, who have supported this event for years and helped us broaden the appeal of the carnival with complementary programmes.”
HKCDBA Chairman Dr Raymond Ma said: “The Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races are world-renowned and attract professional dragon boat teams from around the world every year. The event began as the very first modern dragon boat races in the world and today is among the top dragon-boat competitions in the world, strictly following international race guidelines. This year, around 410 teams, made up of 4,000 paddlers from 13 countries and regions, will vie for 23 championship titles. The HKCDBA would like to thank all the overseas and local teams for their enthusiastic participation and support, which is hugely important for the promotion of the dragon boat culture.”
This year, China Construction Bank (Asia) continues to be the title sponsor of the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, recognised as an “M” Mark Event by the Major Sports Events Committee. Chief Executive Officer of China Construction Bank (Asia) Mr Mao Yumin said: “CCB (Asia) is very honoured to title-sponsor the ‘CCB (Asia) Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races’. To make this mega event even more meaningful, we are organising a ‘Row for Charity’ event from 3-5 July 2015 to give members of the public a chance to enjoy the fun of rowing on land. We will donate matching funds which correspond to the total distance completed by participants to the Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong (ADAHK), which promotes arts projects by disabled artists, helping them unleash their talent into full play without limitations. Following our co-operation with the ADAHK last year, CCB (Asia) appointed ADAHK artists again this year to design a distinctive dragon boat of 11 metres in length and eight mega paddles display of three metres in height. The artworks will be exhibited at the East Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. Come and visit them, and take your picture with the boat and giant paddles!”
The racecourse of the CCB (Asia) Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races will be in Victoria Harbour, approximately between the InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong and Wing On Plaza. In addition to regular races in various championships and the International Breast Cancer Survivor Championship, there will be a fun-filled “Tug of War Fun Race” and the “Fancy Dress Race” on 5 July.
New programmes will also appear at the San Miguel BeerFest at the UC Centenary Garden in East Tsim Sha Tsui. Visitors can cool down with not just chilled beer, but also beer-flavoured liquid nitrogen ice-cream. San Miguel is also setting up a 3D Photo Zone for visitors to take photos and relive memories of the neon sign-filled streets, traditional grocery stores and other sights of old Hong Kong. For more vigorous entertainment, participants can enjoy live performances by a superb line-up of singers and bands, including [email protected]., RubberBand, LMF, Supper Moment, Kandy Wong and Yo Yo Sham, or take part in the San Miguel Dry-Land Dragon Boat Challenge and beer-drinking competitions.
© Liana Technologies