Ayra Wang

Morning showers failed to dampen the mood at the Tuen Ng Festival dragon boat races at Stanley Beach yesterday, with athletes saying they were more united after the pandemic.

Some 4,000 local and overseas rowers from about 190 teams participated in this year's Sun Life Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships, which have been held for over four decades.

Kwan, a member of one of the local teams, arrived at the beach early to warm up for the races, saying the atmosphere was ideal.

"The mood is high. Team members are more united after the pandemic," Kwan said.

A local team in pink Barbie-like costumes hoped to cheer up all rowers and everyone in the event.

Team member Wong said they had been joining the event for 10 years and would appear in different costumes each time.

"Participation is more important for us. As long as all team members work together and try our best, we are happy," Wong said.

She said the vibe this year returned to the prepandemic level as "people are very engaged."

A woman, Wong, came to the beach with her children to cheer for her husband who was competing. It was her first time watching dragon boat races in Stanley.

She said it was thrilling to watch the competition in a lively atmosphere.

Foreign tourists were also attracted to the event. Mads from Denmark said it offered him an interesting experience.

"The speed and power of competitors rowing are very impressive," Mads said, adding he would visit the Stanley market afterward.

Mads said he liked Hong Kong due to its East-meets-West culture, and planned to stay for a week with his girlfriend.

Crowds of locals and tourists also flocked to the waterfront in places such as Aberdeen, Sai Kung, Sha Tin, Tuen Mun and Tai Po to watch dragon boat races.

In Sha Tin, over 100 teams participated in 28 races, and both sides of the Shing Mun River were lined up with spectators.

In Tai Po, about 1,600 competitors from 69 teams took part in the races, amid a carnival featuring game booths, food stalls and workshops at the Tai Po Waterfront Park.

Competitor Ng said the atmosphere was "good as usual."

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races will be held at Victoria Harbour on Saturday and Sunday. One of the local teams comprises breast cancer survivors.

Captain Josephine Tsang Hin-kan said this would be a good opportunity to compete and learn from strong teams from all over the world.

"Although our team members may be slightly inferior in physical power, it will still be a great honor for us to watch dragon boat masters rowing and learn from each other," Tsang said.

ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com

Dragon boat vibe back with a bang