Hong Kong students out in full force at Atlanta Hong Kong
Dragon Boat Festival

For more information, please contact:
Daniel McAtee at 202-238-6360
Melissa Ng / David Hsieh at 212-752-3320
Wing Yan Tong at 415-835-9315

September 14, 2009 - The Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival is seeing great involvement by Hong Kong students in Atlanta as it proudly marches into its 14th year.

Held on 12 September at the Lake Lanier Olympic venue, a contingent of Hong Kong students, made up of members of Hong Kong student associations/clubs of major universities in Georgia, including Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, and Georgia State University, was out in full force assisting in the logistics as well as fielding teams in the various races.

Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, Ms Monica Chen said, “This year, we are seeing teams from sports clubs of universities from Atlanta as well as around the region. This is indicative of the festival’s draw among the younger generations.”

“Over the years, the race has grown from a handful of teams and few spectators to a major multicultural event in the metro Atlanta area. The event now consistently attracts a field of more than 50 teams and over 6,000 spectators.

“Many of the teams are from outside of Atlanta and Georgia, representing major cities, including New York, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida,” said Ms. Chen.

Addressing Metro Atlanta audience in a live interview with the festival’s official broadcaster, Southern Appalachians at Bryson City, Ms. Chen said dragon boat festivals have grown since it was first introduced by Hong Kong into the international arena and is now held throughout Asia, Europe, and North America, with competitions taking place in major cities around the world.

Ms. Chen noted that the festival brings along the unique culture of Hong Kong which thrived on its colorful history of east meeting west.

A total of 53 teams competed at this year’s festival. The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York is the festival benefactor for the event.

Under the auspices of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, four dragon boat festivals are held annually in Atlanta, Boston, New York, and Miami.