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More than 5000 people went to London Docklands yesterday (July 1, London time) to watch dragon boat teams compete in the 10th Anniversary London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. Organised by the London Chinatown Lions Club and the London Chinatown Chinese Association and sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO), the festival was held to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
Winner of the "Hong Kong 10th Anniversary Cup" was the team from Yi-Ban Restaurant situated at the Royal Albert Docks. Among the 24 teams competing were the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and UK Trade & Investment; the Hong Kong Tourism Board; the Chinese Embassy; HSBC; the GB Premier Womens' Team and a number of teams made up of dragon boat enthusiasts from around London.
Speaking at the traditional 'eye-dotting' opening ceremony in Royal Albert Docks, Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office London, Ms Sarah Wu, said, "To hold this year's dragon boat festival as part of our celebration of the 10th anniversary means a lot to us. Dragon Boat racing is emblematic of the strength, energy and competitiveness for which Hong Kong is renowned.
"Since 1997, Hong Kong has gone from strength to strength, overcoming a number of unprecedented setbacks including the Asian financial crisis, avian flu, and SARS. Underpinned by the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle, Hong Kong continues to thrive and prosper as Asia's world city, a centre for financial and professional services, trade, shipping and tourism."
In addition to the races there were colourful and vibrant dockside events; dragon and lion dances; stage show organised by TVB Chinese Channel; a children's play area; game stalls; gift stores; and authentic Chinese cuisine.
Yesterday's London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival is only the beginning of a series of events to be organised by the HKETO to mark the 10th anniversary. Young Hong Kong musicians will be performing in October in London, Newcastle and Glasgow. In Manchester, there will be a film festival, a photo exhibition and an art exhibition. In London, a seminar and a film event are planned in October. A complete list of events is attached. There are many more 10th anniversary events organised by local Chinese communities around the UK.
Ms Wu also spoke at a HKSAR 10th anniversary dinner organised by the London Confederation of Chinese Association. "I take this opportunity to express to the Chinese community in the UK my deepest gratitude for their goodwill and unfailing support for Hong Kong, and the events they have been organising to celebrate our 10th anniversary - ranging from chess contests and golf tournaments to dinners and essay competitions," she said.
Ends/Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Issued at HKT 15:06
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