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Thousands of visitors flocked to the Hong Kong stall at the two-day Chinese New Year Dragon Boat Races in Darling Harbour, Sydney, over the weekend (February 24 and 25).
Mounted in colourful Brand Hong Kong banners and buntings, the stall, set up by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO), was extremely popular with spectators and competitors at the dragon boat races. They queued up to get their faces and arms painted with the Brand Hong Kong dragon as well as to collect Hong Kong postcards and souvenirs.
The dragon boat bearing the name "HONG KONG" took part in the keenly contested competitions which attracted more than 180 dragon boat teams across Australia. It was the focus of much cheering and excitement among spectators whenever it surged ahead in the races.
The Saturday racing featured sporting teams from across the country while the Sunday programme comprised corporate and social teams competitions. Both were captivating and entertaining.
HKETO sponsored and presented the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Masters Open Final trophy on Saturday.
Speaking after the presentation ceremony, Mr Enoch Yuen, Deputy Director of HKETO, noted that this was the fifth year HKETO had joined the Annual Dragon Boat Races in Darling Harbour. "This festive event brings a lot of joy and excitement to the Sydney community and we are delighted to be part of it once again.
"The Brand Hong Kong dragon, which is displayed almost everywhere, represents Hong Kong as a progressive, stable and free society and a city of quality and opportunity. The vitality of the dragon boat races blends well with the symbol of Hong Kong ¡ª a powerful and vibrant dragon.
"The dragon's smooth and fluid shape imparts a sense of movement and speed, communicating that Hong Kong is forever changing. It is indeed Hong Kong's dynamism and can-do spirit that makes it Asia¡¯s world city."
This year's Dragon Boat Races was organised by the City of Sydney as part of its Chinese New Year Festival celebrations. The annual races attracted over 200,000 spectators.
Ends/Sunday, February 25, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:19
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