***********************************************************
A spirited procession of Hong Kong-styled sedan chairs today (November 3) strolled through the Chinatown of Yokohama, Japan, drawing crowds of spectators in the busiest tourist spot in Yokohama.
This was the Third Hong Kong Sedan Chair Race in Japan, which was sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Tokyo, the City of Yokohama and a number of Hong Kong and Japanese organisations, to promote friendship and goodwill between Hong Kong and Japan.
The Principal Representative of HKETO in Tokyo, Mrs Jennie Chok, said at the opening ceremony that when she assumed the office of Principal Representative of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office this February, she was excited to learn that the sedan chair race originating in Hong Kong has been introduced to Japan.
She said that the Race this year was not only a fun event, but also a race contributing to the "Mottainai campaign" for the worthy cause of global environmental conservation.
The event will support the Mottainai campaign, a global environmental movement advocated by Dr. Wangari Maathai - 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Winner and Kenyan environmentalist - by donating the team entry fees and part of the sponsorship.
"Mottainai" is a Japanese term meaning "What a waste!" and the Mottainai campaign promotes the practice of "the three Rs," - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
Mrs Chok expressed special thanks to the City of Yokohama and deep appreciation for the friendship and enthusiastic support of sponsors and racing teams alike.
Consisting of two categories - main race and speed race, the event received more than 400 participants from Hong Kong and Japanese companies and community groups.
Members of the champion team of the main race, which competed in terms of decoration and performance, were awarded a trip to Hong Kong sponsored by the HK Tourism Board and Cathay Pacific Airways. The champion this year is Sumitomo Corporation.
Ends/Friday, November 3, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:10
NNNN
