The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) supported the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festivals in Antwerp, Belgium on September 15, and in Dublin, Ireland on September 15 and 16 .
In Belgiums port city of Antwerp, the 8th Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival organised by the Rotary International, Antwerp West, is one of the city's biggest annual events, attracting 32 teams of competitors and around 6 000 enthusiastic paddlers and visitors. HKETO, Brussels, the title sponsor of the Festival, entered two boats, Hong Kong Dragon and Hong Kong International Paddlers, in the races. The crew of Hong Kong Dragon comprised staff of HKETO, Brussels and their family members and friends, while the Hong Kong International Paddlers had a crew of expats and locals. Many community groups and companies in Belgium also took part in the Festival as a team-building event. The University of Gent and the University of Antwerp in Belgium also fielded teams with the support of the Belgium-Hong Kong Society. The starting shot was given by Deputy Representative of HKETO, Brussels, Miss Fiona Chau, while Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Lam, presented the trophy to the fastest team.
In Dublin, HKETO, Brussels was the title sponsor of the Hong Kong Dublin Dragon Boat Regatta for the third time. Organised by the Irish Dragon Boat Association in conjunction with Plurabelle Paddlers, and supported by Waterways Ireland and Dublin City Council, the Regatta took place at the heart of the capital city,the Grand Canal Dock in Dublin. A total of some 1 000 participants in 52 teams from different regions joined the most entertaining races carried out on the two days. Their joy and laughter were shared by about 2 500 visitors each day. Assistant Representative of HKETO, Brussels, Mr Paul Leung, officiated at the event and presented medals to the winning teams.
In both Antwerp and Dublin, booklets and information about Hong Kong, including its tourist attractions and its first Talent List, were distributed at the Hong Kong booth. Visitors to the booth could receive Hong Kong brand prizes after successfully completing a quiz about Hong Kong.
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