Hundreds of people flocked to the Castel Gandolfo Olympic lake near Rome in Italy on October 14 (Rome time) to watch the Pink Butterfly Dragon Boat Festival races that were sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) for the first time. Around 200 breast cancer paddlers and 100 supporting athletes took part in the races.
      
     The Pink Butterfly Dragon Boat Festival was organised by Pagaie Rosa Dragon Boat Onlus, a non-profit organisation that supports women who have undergone breast cancer surgery and are rediscovering the joy of living through paddling as a sports therapy. 
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     Deputy Representative of the HKETO, Brussels Miss Fiona Li expressed her appreciation for the work of the organiser in promoting sports therapy. She said that Hong Kong is also encouraging sports activities in the community and promoting healthy lifestyles. 

     In addition, Hong Kong supports the development of elite sports and is developing the city into a centre for major international sports events. Hong Kong is recognised as a birthplace of modern competitive dragon boat racing and is known internationally as a leading dragon boat competition destination. Highlighting the most recent International Dragon Boat Races held in late June in Victoria Harbour of Hong Kong, Miss Li invited participants to visit the city. 

     "I hope that we will meet in Hong Kong soon, not only for the dragon boat races, but also for many more that our city offers - from diversified cosmopolitan lifestyle and vibrant culture to fantastic food, sensational shopping and beautiful countryside, islands and beaches," she said.

Ends/Sunday, October 15, 2023
Issued at HKT 7:10

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