23/05/2025

FRIDAY | MAY 23, 2025

23

LYFE

M’sian team contesting in Hong Kong dragon boat races

A Malaysian team is taking part in the Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races – a flagship sports event co-organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association (HKCDBA). The event runs from May 31 to June 8, featuring a festive Dragon Boat Food Lane and “Panda Friends@Ocean Park Hong Kong” Festive Photo Spots from the Dragon Boat Festival Day onwards. As the dragon boat races get underway, the excitement will climb with a Beer Garden, Race Broadcast Viewing Zones and world-class acrobatic performances by Cirque du Soleil. This spectacular event gives visitors and locals the opportunity to immerse themselves in Hong Kong’s traditional festivities with a host of delightful experiences and activities in the heart of the city. This year’s dragon boat races will be the most competitive yet, with over 190 teams and 4,500 athletes from 12 countries and regions, including Malaysia, Japan, Canada, Egypt, Qatar and more, competing in 19 thrilling races on June 7–8 at Victoria Harbour. The Malaysia Team, comprising national and state-level paddlers, will join the international showdown. The team previously reached the finals in the 500m Open Championships and Women’s Championships at the 15th Asian Dragon Boat Championship 2024, and also made waves at the 16th World Dragon Boat Racing Championships in the 2000m Open Race. They now prepare to take on elite teams from across the globe in Hong Kong. Adding to the excitement, a new Secondary Schools Championship will debut to inspire youth involvement in this cultural heritage sport, while the ever-popular Disciplinary Forces Championship will return, showcasing the strength and coordination of Hong Kong’s disciplined services. Day-and-night attractions On May 31, East Tsim Sha Tsui will transform into a day-and-night dragon boat carnival. The Dragon Boat Food Lane at the Avenue of Stars will serve up nine days of delicious treats from traditional rice dumplings to dragon boat-shaped snacks and summer drinks. Festive photo spots featuring Ocean Park Hong Kong’s beloved Panda Friends will add a playful touch to the carnival. Visitors can snap photos with charming displays

o Event takes place from May 31 to June 8 of giant pandas An An, Ke Ke, Ying Ying and Le Le, along with the adorable twin cubs Elder Sister and Little Brother. A special pop-up store will offer a selection of panda-themed merchandise. Visitors who make purchases at the food lane stalls will receive a complimentary panda-themed sticker pack containing two designs from a collection of 10. On the race weekends (June 7-8), the carnival will extend to the Urban Council Centenary Garden in Tsim Sha Tsui East, where live race broadcasts, a Beer Garden and more photo spots await. Visitors can redeem a complimentary draught beer at the Beer Garden by collecting a voucher from HKTB visitor centres at Hong Kong International Airport, Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier, Hong Kong West Kowloon Station or at the beer voucher booth on the East Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade. Vouchers are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, with one redemption per visitor. In addition to street music performances, the carnival will feature exciting flash mob acrobatic performances by the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil from Canada. The Beer Garden and Food Lane will remain open until 10pm, creating a full-day experience for visitors. The HKTB is also joining forces with the Tsim Sha Tsui East Property Developers Association to offer dining and shopping promotions for over 20 nearby shops, including dining discounts of up to 30% at hotels. Recognised by Unesco The HKTB has arranged for the finals and award ceremony to be broadcast live on RTHK TV 32, allowing viewers to capture the thrills and spills of the races on TV, online and on streaming devices. Locals and visitors can also

With thrilling races, vibrant festivals and rich heritage, late May to June is an excellent time to experience Hong Kong.

join an online vote via the HKCDBA official website on June 8 to choose their favourite dragon boat team in a fancy dress competition. To help visitors and locals plan their itineraries, the HKTB has set up a dedicated page for its Hong Kong Cultural Beat campaign on its one-stop travel information platform. The page contains schedules for the dragon boat races and key festival activities and promotions across the city. Recognised by Unesco on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Dragon Boat Festival aligns with the first-ever Hong Kong ICH Month in June – a celebration of the city’s cultural richness. Those interested can sign up for the tour at the Hong Kong International Airport Visitor Centre or Kowloon Visitor Centre starting June 9, or visit the Hong Kong ICH Month 2025 website for more details. With thrilling races, vibrant festivals and rich heritage, late May to June is an excellent time to experience Hong Kong.

Paddlers will also be in fancy dress to add to the party atmosphere.

Viewers can vote for best dressed teams in online polls.

The event will feature 190 teams and 4,500 athletes from 12 countries, including Malaysia.

The boat race will take place at Hong Kong’s famed Victoria Harbour.