Record 72 teams compete in Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival

Director Anita Chan at the eye-dotting ceremony.

A record 72 racing teams took part September 10 in the 16th Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, held at the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue.

Speaking at the opening ceremony Anita Chan, Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York, which sponsored the event, noted that the festival is an important event in the Chinese calendar and uniquely combines both traditional cultural and sports themes.

“Indeed, it has become one of the major international events in Hong Kong. The one held recently in June (2011) featured a total of nearly 200 dragon boat teams, with teams from 12 countries and regions. It also showcased the world’s longest dragon boat, of more than 30 meters in length. I hope that in the coming international dragon boat carnival in Hong Kong, you would be there to enjoy the festive mood,” she told the audience.

At this year’s festival, racers competed in a new fleet of eight dragon boats emblazoned with the revitalized Brand Hong Kong visual identity, representing the can-do spirit of Hong Kong people.