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The Brand Hong Kong - a stylish flying dragon - became a great familiar sight everywhere on Toronto's Centre Island today (June 19, Toronto time). Thousands of Torontonians fell for the flying dragon symbol when they visited the Hong Kong booth set up by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Canada (HKETO) at the venue of this year's Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival.

They liked the flying dragon so much that they had the icon painted on their faces, arms and legs. And they were proud to show it off to others on the Island.

Like other Dragon Boat Festival visitors, they have come to better understand the Hong Kong Brand and the core values it represents after spending time in a variety of educational games that the HKETO has specially designed for the annual multi-cultural and sports event being held today and tomorrow on Centre Island.

During the two-day festival, the HKETO has lined up a series of fun-filled activities including photo exhibition, face painting, quizzes, puzzles and kid's painting sessions for those who are eager to know more about Hong Kong - Asia's world city. Those who have demonstrated a good knowledge of Hong Kong, are awarded souvenirs that carry the unique and colourful Brand Hong Kong icon.

Since its establishment 16 years ago, the Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival has become a popular and must-go family event in the Greater Toronto Area for Ontario residents and tourists. A total of 210 teams compete in this year's race activity which is described to be one of the largest international dragon boat races organized outside Hong Kong.

This year's festival is expected to attract some 120,000 visitors.

Ends/Sunday, June 20, 2004

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