​Thousands of people enjoyed the 9th Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival held in the port city of Antwerp, Belgium on September 14 (Antwerp time). The title sponsor of the event was the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels).
      
     The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival was organised by the Rotary International, Antwerp West, and is recognised as one of the city's biggest annual events. Thirty dragon boat teams took part in a full day of racing, attracting around 7 000 enthusiastic paddlers and visitors. HKETO, Brussels entered two boats in the races, which were crewed by Hong Kong Dragon and Hong Kong International Paddlers. The crew of Hong Kong Dragon comprised staff of HKETO, Brussels and their family members and friends, while the Hong Kong International Paddlers featured a crew of expats and locals. Many community groups and companies in Belgium also took part in the Festival as a team-building event. The University of Antwerp and Ghent University in Belgium also fielded teams in this year's races.  
      
     The starting shot was provided by the Deputy Representative of HKETO, Brussels, Miss Fiona Chau, who also presented the trophy to the champion.
      
     At the Festival, booklets and information about Hong Kong, including its many tourist attractions and first Talent List of Hong Kong, were distributed at the Hong Kong booth set up by HKETO, Brussels. Visitors to the booth received Hong Kong brand prizes after successfully completing a quiz about Hong Kong. 

Ends/Monday, September 16, 2019
Issued at HKT 18:16

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