In a bid to promote cultural and sporting exchanges and integration between Guangdong and Hong Kong, a unique dragon boat friendship race was held on June 1st at Liaozai Village, Yuanzhou Town, Boluo County, Huizhou.
Before the event, teams gathered in the banquet hall of Liaozai Village for a lunch featuring the "Dragon Boat Meal". This meal, made with glutinous rice, diced goose meat, and diced mushrooms, was originally served for the rowers to provide them with energy for rowing. Later, it evolved into a lively dragon boat pre-ceremony for guests and spectators, symbolizing the beautiful wishes and aspirations of the people, unifying the people's hearts and maintaining unity.
Diverging from traditional dragon boat activities, this event focuses on "enjoyable dragon boat rowing", emphasizing participation and fun, without ranking. It aims to enhance team spirit and friendship through the traditional sport of dragon boat rowing.
For the participating teams from Guangdong and Hong Kong, this dragon boat race proved to be an unforgettable experience. "We, Hong Kongers, also drink water from the Dongjiang River, so we wanted to participate in a dragon boat event that traces our sources. We are thrilled with this event today, not only experiencing a different kind of dragon boat but also embracing a different culture," said Li Jianji, chairman of the Hong Kong dragon boat team.
Li Haoyuan, from the Liaozai dragon boat team, said, "Today's weather is not ideal, with strong winds and rain, but such conditions only ignite more passion in our athletes, pooling all of our strength together. Unity is strength, propelling our dragon boat faster and further!"
Co-hosted by Liaozai Village and TK Group, with participating teams including the Liaozai Team, Liwu Team, Jiangtou Team, Xianan Team, Shiwan Niutouzhou Team, as well as specially invited teams from the Hong Kong Customs and Police Team, the event attracted about 500 participants. It not only provided a platform for dragon boat enthusiasts from Guangdong and Hong Kong to exchange experiences but also introduced more people to and fostered a love for this traditional sport.
Video: Ou Xiaoming
Editor: Olivia, Monica, Abby, Alice, Holly, James
Photos and video footage provided to GDToday
