HK Cup 2022 dragon boat races held in Singapore to celebrate 25th anniversary of establishment of HKSAR

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore (Singapore ETO) hosted the Hong Kong Cup 2022 dragon boat races at the Sports Hub Water Sports Centre in Singapore Saturday and Sunday (Dec. 3 and 4), as part of the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Featuring a close to a 40-strong team of professional male and female dragon boat paddlers from Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Cup 2022 was a highlight of the Singapore Regatta Waterfest (SRW), which returned to the city-state after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

The Director of the Singapore ETO, Mr Owin Fung, said, "Dragon boat racing has its roots in ancient China more than 2 000 years ago. Both Hong Kong and Singapore share the tradition of hosting dragon boat extravaganzas every year to keep alive the legacy. We hope the Hong Kong Cup provides a valuable opportunity for further sports exchange that could strengthen the bond between the two cities."

He added, "Hong Kong has long been home for different premier international sports events. With a 28-hectare multi-purpose Kai Tak Sports Park slated to open in 2024, and Hong Kong to co-host the 15th National Games with Guangdong Province and Macao in 2025, we will see a host of international sports events in Hong Kong in coming years."

He thanked co-organizer the Singapore Dragon Boat Association, supporting organization the Hong Kong Tourism Board and various participating teams and volunteers for their efforts in making the event a resounding success.

The Hong Kong men's and mixed teams had strong performance and finished second and first in the Hong Kong Cup Open and Hong Kong Cup Mixed events respectively when competing against the respective winners of the Open and Mixed races in three other local categories, namely SRW, Tertiary and International Dragon Boat Community.

The two-day Hong Kong Cup 2022, together with the qualifying rounds in the SRW, Tertiary and International Dragon Boat Community categories, drew approximately 1 500 participants in 54 teams, competing in a total of 38 races.

The Singapore ETO set up a Hong Kong booth at the waterfront with various activities including face and hand painting, caricature drawing and souvenir giveaways for the public to enjoy a fun-filled weekend.

The event marked the end of a year-long celebration organized by the Singapore ETO on the 25th anniversary of the establishment of HKSAR, comprising an assortment of 13 events of different types including a miniature exhibition, a youth competition, business seminars, gala dinners, a Chinese orchestra concert, a dance performance and a film festival. For the details, please visit the ETO's website at www.hketosin.gov.hk/events/about-25a.php.