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Crowds turned out again this year for the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in Belgium's port city of Antwerp on September 12 (Antwerp time).
One of Antwerp's biggest summer happenings, the event was first held in the city in 2011 at the initiative of Antwerp Rotary West. This year's event was the fifth edition and attracted more than 7 000 enthusiastic spectators and participants who enjoyed the carnival and sporting atmosphere around the water at the Kempischdok-Zuidkaai docks. The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) was the title sponsor this year and the event was also supported by the Antwerp Port Authority and the Antwerp City Council.
The Deputy Representative of HKETO, Brussels, Miss Alice Choi, fired the starting gun of the races at 10am, in the company of Alderman of the City of Antwerp Mr Ludo Van Campenhout, who is responsible for, among others, sports, business and diamonds.
More than 48 teams, comprising community groups, companies and organisations, took part in the team-building event. HKETO, Brussels entered two boats. The crew of Hong Kong Dragons comprised staff and their family members and friends. The second boat, Hong Kong's International Paddlers, with a crew of expats and locals, was given a boost by the presence of the representative of Hong Kong at the World Customs Organization in Brussels, Mr K K Li, an experienced dragon boat paddler, and made it into the final.
Visitors cheered for the racing teams, some dressed in amusing outfits, and enjoyed refreshments including delicious Chinese food and Hong Kong snacks. Booklets and information about Hong Kong were distributed at the Hong Kong booth, where Brand Hong Kong prizes could be won by answering simple questions about Asia's world city. Visitors to the booth could also take away special edition postcards showing Hong Kong's beautiful country parks.
A video showing a performance by sand-painting artist Hoi Chiu creating sand pictures of Hong Kong was shown on a loop on large screens between live broadcasts of the races and interviews with the teams. A traditional Chinese lion dance and a drumming band further contributed to the Asian atmosphere, while Belgium was represented by a street orchestra and live performances by Flemish singers. Meanwhile, children enjoyed activities and programmes in the Kids' Village, including a bouncy castle, jugglers, make-up and clowns.
The Acting Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Miss Drew Lai, presented the main award for the fastest team at 5pm, while other prizes were presented by the Chairman of the Antwerp Port Authority and the Alderman of the City of Antwerp responsible for the harbour, labour and industry, Mr Marc Van Peel. After the prize-giving, DJ sets and dancing commenced and the party continued until well into the evening.
Ends/Monday, September 14, 2015
Issued at HKT 20:24
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