******************************************************
It was a day of fun and excitement at the Flushing Meadows Corona Park, New York when the 17th Annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival kicked off on Saturday (August 4, New York time). The festival will spill over to Sunday (August 5, New York time), with more races held and awards presented.
Sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York, this annual event has become a colorful and traditional celebration, and one of the largest festivals of its kind in the United States and a major event in New York's sporting and community calendar.
Into its 17th year, the event this year carries a special meaning as it falls in with the 10th anniversary of establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). A special race, the 10th Anniversary Hong Kong Cup Race, was introduced to mark this special occasion.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms Monica Chen, Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York, said, "2007 is a special year to us. Since the handover in 1997, Hong Kong has remained a free, stable and progressive society. Run by Hong Kong People with a high degree of autonomy, it is distinctly the 'Asia's world city' that we pride ourselves on its vitality, diversity and vigor".
This year's festival was noted for both its scale and the competitiveness of the various races. More than 150 teams from various sectors of the community will take part in the various events. An attendance of more than 50,000 is expected.
Participating teams included the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York, Hong Kong Association of New York, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, and Hong Kong Tourism Board.
Another of the major events at the Festival, the Municipal Cup Race, featured teams comprising members of local elected officials.
Fiercely vied, the 10th Anniversary Cup went to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and Hong Kong Association of New York.
A Hong Kong booth, with a colorful display of Brand Hong Kong feather banners and flags, and 10th anniversary balloons and banners, distributed souvenirs to visitors on site.
Ends/Sunday, August 5, 2007
Issued at HKT 06:42
NNNN