December 3 and 4, 2022
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 on December 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 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-organiser the Singapore Dragon Boat Association, supporting organisation 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. Let’s revisit some of the highlights.
Not familiar with dragon boat races? Here’s your beginner’s guide:
Every seat counts in a dragon boat:
bit.ly/3uFcQsc
The secrets of dragon boating – Paddling 101:
bit.ly/3BoJhyX
Disappearing Art: Dragon Boat Building:
bit.ly/3uHs402
Hong Kong's dazzling fire dragon coming to life on land:
bit.ly/3iR3rLJ
Special pre-X’mas Dragon Boat Hamper Giveaway (closed on Dec 10, 2022):
Facebook: https://bit.ly/fbdragonboathamper
Instagram: https://bit.ly/igdragonboathamper
Missed the enthralling dragon boat races? No worries! Click here:
Hong Kong Cup Open final (1st - Nanyang Technological University, 2nd - Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Team, 3rd - Temasek Polytechnic, 4th - Spanish Armada)
https://fb.watch/hkmuMNKzs8/
Hong Kong Cup Mixed final ( 1st - Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Team, 2nd - Nanyang Technological University, 3rd - Singapore Institute of Management , 4th - American Dragons Singapore)
https://fb.watch/hkmh50xOfW/
A complete guide on Singapore Regatta Waterfest:
https://sdba.org.sg/race/1st-singapore-regatta-waterfestsports-hub/
Let’s witness an eye-dotting ceremony to see how the spirit of dragon boats is awakened before they come alive and do the battle in races:
bit.ly/3iQw63m
Press release:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202212/04/P2022120200428.htm
Event highlight video:
bit.ly/3I8Ac1x
Copyright © 2022 Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Singapore. All rights reserved.