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Toronto ETO celebrates cultural heritage at dragon boat festivals in Ottawa and Vancouver (with photos)
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     ​The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (Toronto ETO) extended the spirit of dragon boat racing celebrations to Ottawa and Vancouver, Canada, on June 20 and 21 (Vancouver and Ottawa time).

     The Acting Director of the Toronto ETO, Mr Gavin Yeung, attended the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival and Vancouver's Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival on June 20 and 21 respectively, to support two of Canada's most anticipated summer events while promoting cultural heritage.

     Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival on June 20 (Ottawa time), Mr Yeung highlighted that the dragon boat race signified the strong ties between Hong Kong and Canada, as this water sport was introduced to Canada from Hong Kong nearly four decades ago. The Ottawa festival, held from June 20 to 22 (Ottawa time), featured over 100 teams and thrilled spectators with high-energy races and engaging cultural programmes from across the region.

     On June 21 (Vancouver time), the Toronto ETO continued the celebrations as Mr Yeung attended the flagship event in Vancouver, which organised Canada's first dragon boat racing event after receiving six teak dragon boats from Hong Kong in 1986. Since then, the festival has become an annual landmark celebration that connects the community.

     In his remarks, Mr Yeung welcomed visitors to explore Hong Kong's unique charm. "From the iconic Victoria Harbour and scenic hiking trails to a rich blend of heritage and modern architecture, and from vibrant culinary experiences to picturesque outlying islands, Hong Kong is both a cultural crossroads and a dynamic global metropolis. We warmly welcome members of the Canadian community to visit and experience Hong Kong," he said.

     Besides thrilling races, the Vancouver Dragon Boat Festival also featured live concerts, vendors and food trucks, and a mini-exhibition showcasing the history of dragon boating in Hong Kong. Attracting over 200 000 visitors and racers, it stands as the largest dragon boat celebration in North America.
 
Ends/Tuesday, June 24, 2025
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Photo

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (Toronto ETO) recently supported the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival and Vancouver's Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival in Canada. Photo shows the Acting Director of the Toronto ETO, Mr Gavin Yeung, speaking at the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival on June 20 (Ottawa time).
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (Toronto ETO) recently supported the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival and Vancouver's Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival in Canada. Photo shows the Acting Director of the Toronto ETO, Mr Gavin Yeung (centre), the Chief Executive Officer and President of the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival, Mr John Brooman (left), and the President of the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (Ottawa Chapter), Mr Frank Eng (right), at the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival on June 20 (Ottawa time).
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (Toronto ETO) recently supported the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival and Vancouver's Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival in Canada. Photo shows the Acting Director of the Toronto ETO, Mr Gavin Yeung, speaking at the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival in Vancouver on June 21 (Vancouver time).
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (Toronto ETO) recently supported the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival and Vancouver's Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival in Canada. Photo shows the Acting Director of the Toronto ETO, Mr Gavin Yeung (second right), a winning team and other guests at the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival in Vancouver on June 21 (Vancouver time).