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The first of a series of dragon boat events on the east coast of the United States to feature 10th anniversary races in commemoration of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was held in Brickell Key, Miami, last Saturday (May 5, local time).
The 4th Annual Miami Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival organised by the Miami Overseas Chinese Association and sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York ended successfully with an impressive attendance of about 25,000 spectators from Miami-Dade County.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Dragon Boat Festival, the Hong Kong Commissioner of Economic and Trade Affairs in the United States, Ms Margaret Fong, said that while more than 450 events and activities have been organised between April and December in Hong Kong to celebrate this special occasion, the three Economic and Trade Offices in the United States would also be hosting a variety of activities, including receptions, film events, cultural performances and conferences to showcase Hong Kong's achievements in the past 10 years and future opportunities.
"I invite you to come visit us in Hong Kong to experience first-hand the energy, the vigour and the dynamism that makes Hong Kong 'Asia's world city'," she said.
A record 62 teams joined the races this year and the Ocean Bank team won the 250 metre corporate race which was designated as the 10th anniversary race.
Presenting the 10th anniversary cup to the winning team, the Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York, Ms Monica Chen, said that Hong Kong had pulled through many challenges in the past 10 years only to come out leaner and stronger.
"I would like to congratulate the Ocean Bank team whose outstanding performance is the best example of the Hong Kong 'can-do' spirit," she said.
A Hong Kong booth with a colorful display of the Brand Hong Kong feather banners and flags as well as 10th anniversary balloons and banners was set up at the venue to distribute souvenirs.
Ends/Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Issued at HKT 10:42
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