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The Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival is seeing great involvement by Hong Kong students in Atlanta as it proudly marches into its 14th year.
Held on Saturday (September 12, Atlanta time) at the Lake Lanier Olympic venue, a contingent of Hong Kong students, made up of members of Hong Kong student associations/clubs of major universities in Georgia, including Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, and Georgia State University, was out in full force assisting in the logistics as well as fielding teams in the various races.
Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, Ms Monica Chen said, "This year, we are seeing teams from sports clubs of universities from Atlanta as well as around the region. This is indicative of the festivalˇ¦s draw among the younger generations."
"Over the years, the race has grown from a handful of teams and few spectators to a major multicultural event in the metro Atlanta area. The event now consistently attracts a field of more than 50 teams and more than 6,000 spectators.
"Many of the teams are from outside Atlanta and Georgia, representing major cities from New York, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida," Ms Chen said.
Addressing Metro Atlanta audience in a live interview with the festival's official broadcaster, Southern Appalachians at Bryson City, Ms Chen said dragon boat festivals had grown since they were first introduced by Hong Kong into the international arena and are now held throughout Asia, Europe, and North America, with competitions taking place in major cities around the world.
Ms Chen said the festival brought along the unique culture of Hong Kong which thrived on its colourful history of East meeting West.
A total of 53 teams competed at this year's festival. The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York is the festival benefactor for the event.
Under the auspices of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, four dragon boat festivals are held annually in Atlanta, Boston, New York, and Miami.
Ends/Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Issued at HKT 11:56
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