PH teams compete in 9th Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival

INTENSE RACE. This year’s Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival will be more spectacular than ever, as it celebrates the 20th anniversary of the start of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. More than a hundred thousand punters are expected to come and revel, as centuries-old Chinese traditions meet an international party spirit. Photo Hong Kong Tourism Board via REUTERS Content Solutions

Two Philippine teams will be competing in the ninth Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival from June 22 to 24.

Cebu-based Philippine Accessibility Disability Services, Inc. (PADS) and Triton Dragon Boat Racing Team eye another podium finish after bringing home the gold and silver medals, respectively, in last year’s race.

The main dragon boat showdown will be staged at Victora Harbour while other races will be held before that weekend at various districts like Stanley, Tai Po, Sha Tin, Tuen Mun, Sai Kung, and Aberdeen.

Fancy Dress Competition of the Dragon Boat Festival. Photo by Hong Kong Tourism Board via REUTERS Content Solutions

Over 4,500 paddlers from all over the world including Australia, India, Korea and the US have signed on for the three-day event organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board in partnership with the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association.

Teams from  Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area will also be on hand to compete for the Greater Bay Area Trophy.

To make what’s going to be an intense race even more interesting, there will be a Fancy Dress competition, where the paddlers will dress up in creative and eye-catching costumes for a special award.