Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto)

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (HKETO) joined community leaders, athletes, and thousands of spectators at the 38^th Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival (Festival) held on the Centre Island in Toronto, Canada, celebrating the global appeal of dragon boat racing and the strong cultural ties between Hong Kong and Canada.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Festival on June 13, the Director of the HKETO, Mr Bill Wong, congratulated the Toronto Chinese Business Association on hosting another successful edition of one of the most anticipated summer events in Ontario.

“Exactly 50 years ago, the first international dragon boat race took place in Hong Kong, transforming a traditional Chinese cultural activity into a modern international sport,” Mr Wong said. “Ten years later, dragon boat racing arrived in Canada during Expo 86 in Vancouver before expanding to other major cities across the country, including Toronto.”

He added that the annual Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival, one of the city’s signature mega events, will take place in two weeks. The event will feature teams from 16 countries and regions, including Canada.

Mr Wong invited friends in Canada to visit Hong Kong this summer to experience in person the energy of dragon boat racing at the world-renowned Victoria Harbour, as well as the rich culture and vibrancy of the city.

On both days of the Festival, the HKETO set up a Hong Kong Pavilion with a mini-exhibition to showcase the history of dragon boats. Gifts were also distributed to the race spectators.

As one of the highlights of the Festival, the commemorative Hong Kong Cup, sponsored by the HKETO, was presented to a winning team on June 14.

The HKETO will also support the Dragon Boat Festival in Ottawa from June 19 to 21, to continue promoting dragon boating and fostering cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Canada.