Attracting over 7 000 athletes and coaches from 30 different countries and regions, along with 50 000 spectators over six days, the 14th International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) Club Crew World Championships was held in Ravenna, Italy, from September 3 to 8, 2024, with the support from the government of Emilia-Romagna Region and other institutional partners and businesses in Italy. A total of five club teams from Hong Kong with over 200 athletes participated in this championships.
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) sponsored the championship to further strengthen Hong Kong's presence in Italian sports and cultural events, as well as to promote Hong Kong as the capital of mega events.
At the VIP dinner held on September 7 (Ravenna time) in Ravenna, Deputy Representative of HKETO, Brussels Miss Fiona Li thanked the Hong Kong teams for demonstrating the "Hong Kong spirit" during the race. She said that the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is committed to supporting Hong Kong athletes and promoting sports, citing Hong Kong's historic achievement of home-grown athletes capturing two gold medals and two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, as well as outstanding results at the Paralympics Games.
The IDBF will also organise the Asian Championships in Hong Kong in October 2024 and the World Championships in Hong Kong in 2027. Not surprised by Hong Kong being chosen to host these events, Miss Li invited guests at the dinner to visit Hong Kong. "The upcoming dragon boat championships will be the perfect opportunity for you to visit Hong Kong and experience Hong Kong's unique glamour," she said.
In the coming months, Hong Kong will host a great number of international sports tournaments such as the Hong Kong Cyclothon and Harbour Race; arts and cultural showcases including the debut Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo; and business conferences including Fintech Week and Hong Kong Maritime Week and many more. "You will be amazed by our museums, food, nature, architecture, markets, shopping, attractions, events and so much more," Miss Li added.
HKETO, Brussels has been sponsoring dragon boat races in different cities across Europe to promote Hong Kong's presence, including Antwerp in Belgium, and Barcelona in Spain.
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