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The Hong Kong Cup dragon boat race was held at the promenade of Yamashita Park in Yokohama, Japan, today (June 5).
The championship went to Umihi to Chuden Kosaji Ippai, which beat 19 teams in the race and was presented with the trophy by the Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Ms Shirley Yung.
"Hong Kong is the birthplace of modern dragon boat racing, which has now developed into a popular sport activity not only in Hong Kong but also in many cities in the world, including Yokohama.
"Each summer, people from all over the world go to Hong Kong to join the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival and enjoy the tradition and culture of dragon boat racing while meeting other people. It is a perfect showcase for Hong Kong's vibrant culture," Ms Yung said.
The Yokohama Dragon Boat Races, held since 1994, attracted a total of 190 teams this year to compete in a four-day event spreading across two consecutive weekends. The Hong Kong Cup race, sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo (HKETO), was one of the highlights.
The HKETO also set up a booth and display panels at the race venue to introduce to park visitors and race spectators the latest developments in Hong Kong. The HKETO aimed to promote cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Japan as well as enhance Japanese peopleˇ¦s understanding of Hong Kong through participating in the event.
Ends/Sunday, June 5, 2016
Issued at HKT 20:41
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