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Thousands of spectators enjoyed a day of excitement and fiercely contested matches on the final day of the Yokohama Dragon Boat Race held at Yamashita Park, Yokohama, today (June 7).
The event, held since 1994, was partly sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo (HKETO) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government with the aim of promoting a closer relationship between Hong Kong and Japan.
It has become an annual tourist attraction in Yokohama and one of the largest dragon boat races in Japan.
The highlight of the matches today was the Hong Kong Cup which was awarded to Yohohama Kanki Young Men's Club.
At the venue, the HKETO set up exhibition booths and panels showcasing Hong Kong's policies and successes under the "One Country, Two Systems" arrangement, and highlighting the holding of the East Asian Games (EAG) in Hong Kong in December this year.
Lively performances by a cheerleaders team waving a banner depicting the twin EAG mascots, Dony and Ami, drew big crowds of spectators.
The cheerleaders, called the "Shinies", chanted messages that Hong Kong is gearing up to welcome athletes and visitors from around the world.
The Yokohama Dragon Boat Race this year also formed part of the celebratory activities to mark the 150th anniversary of the opening of Yokohama Port.
Ends/Sunday, June 7, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:11
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