Boston dragon boat festival to mark 10th anniversary of HKSAR

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Jean Ip at 212-752-3320
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Wing Yan Tong at 415-835-9315

June 10, 2007 - A dragon boat race to mark the special occasion of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was held at the 28th Annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival at the Charles River in Boston today (Sunday, June 10, local time).

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Festival, the Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Ms Monica Chen, said that the principle of “One Country, Two Systems” has been successfully implemented in Hong Kong in the past decade.

“Our core values and way of life are preserved and we remain the freest economy in the world and a vibrant and cosmopolitan community,” she said.

Ms Chen told the audience that the Economic and Trade Office in New York would be hosting a variety of activities, including receptions, film events, cultural performances and conferences to showcase Hong Kong's achievements in the past 10 years and future opportunities.

“In Hong Kong, more than 450 events and activities have been organised between April and December to celebrate this special occasion. Please come visit us in Hong Kong and share our joy in our celebrations!” she said.

Some 20,000 people participated in the event today. A total of 34 teams took part in the races and the 10th anniversary cup went to Dragonheart Vermont, BCS.

A Hong Kong booth with a colorful display of the Brand Hong Kong feather banners and flags as well as 10th anniversary balloons and banners was set up at the venue to distribute souvenirs.

The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York, is the second in a series of dragon boat events on the east coast to commemorate the 10th anniversary.