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The 18th Annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York kicked off today (August 2, New York time) with about 150 teams and 1,500 participants taking part in the Festival.
Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Miss Margaret Fong was a guest of honour at the opening ceremony of the Festival.
In her remarks, Miss Fong noted that the Festival, which was started 18 years ago by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY) as a community event to promote Hong Kong's culture, has evolved into an event that embraces athletes from all over.
"What better testament to the success of the Festival than to have Henry (Mr Henry Wan, Chairman of the Host Committee of the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York) and my colleague Monica (Miss Monica Chen, Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York) being invited to preside over the closing bell ceremony of NASDAQ this Wednesday past. My congratulations to the organisers," the Commissioner said.
With the 2008 Olympic Games opening in Beijing on August 8, Miss Fong said Hong Kong is honoured and proud to be the co-host city for the Equestrian Events.
"We have devoted much time and efforts in preparing for this once-in-a-lifetime occasion," Miss Fong said. "Horses and athletes from around the world have started arriving in Hong Kong since July 26. We are confident that they will experience the best ever Olympic Equestrian Events."
HKETONY is promoting the upcoming Olympic Equestrian Events at this year's Festival with an eight-panel exhibition and promotional video. HKETONY is also giving away Brand Hong Kong souvenirs to those attending the Festival.
The 18th Annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York is held August 2 and 3 at Meadows Lake in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, New York. It is one of the oldest and largest traditional dragon boat festivals in the United States and attracts about 50,000 spectators. HKETONY is the festival benefactor for this year's event.
Ends/Sunday, August 3, 2008
Issued at HKT 09:05
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