Over 100 Teams Compete at Toronto's 37th International Dragon Boat Race Festival Celebrating Cultural Heritage

Dragon boat races in Toronto promote athleticism and cultural heritage

Over 100 dragon boat crews from across North America and overseas converged at Centre Island, Toronto, Canada, on June 14 and 15 (Toronto time) to compete for glory at the 37th Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival, supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (Toronto ETO).

Organised by the Toronto Chinese Business Association, the mega event attracted thousands of people to celebrate the Chinese tradition that blends athleticism and cultural heritage.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Festival, the Acting Director of the Toronto ETO, Mr Gavin Yeung, remarked that the Toronto ETO is pleased to continue supporting the Festival. "Hong Kong brought this water sport to Canada almost four decades ago," he said. "The dragon boat race signifies the strong and enduring ties between Hong Kong and Canada."

Mr Yeung shared that Hong Kong, as the events capital of Asia, stands as a globally connected city that hosts world-class events, including mega sports competitions, international conferences and cultural exhibitions, attracting tourists around the world.

"A notable highlight is the newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park," he said. "Spanning over 28 hectares, this multipurpose venue is the largest sports, entertainment and mega event complex in Hong Kong." Highlighting the concept of "tourism is everywhere" in Hong Kong, he encouraged Canadians to visit Hong Kong and discover the many exciting developments in Asia's world city.

The Toronto ETO also set up a Hong Kong pavilion with a mini-exhibition to showcase the history of dragon boating in Hong Kong. Cheering for their favourite teams while exploring the cultural favours, visitors enjoyed an unforgettable weekend.

Besides Toronto, the Toronto ETO also celebrated dragon boat festivals in different cities across Canada. The festivals in Vancouver and Ottawa will be held from June 20 to 22 (Vancouver and Ottawa time) respectively.

Dragon boat races in Toronto promote athleticism and cultural heritage Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Dragon boat races in Toronto promote athleticism and cultural heritage Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Dragon boat races in Toronto promote athleticism and cultural heritage Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Dragon boat races in Toronto promote athleticism and cultural heritage Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Notice on appointments to advisory and statutory bodies

A Government spokesman said today (January 12) that Mr Chan Kin-por recently sought approval from the Chief Executive to suspend his three public positions as appointed by the Chief Executive, until the completion of the work of the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po (Independent Committee). Mr Chan made this request to allow himself more time to dedicate to the work of the Independent Committee. After due consideration, the Chief Executive has agreed to and approved this request. The three public positions are: (1) Chairman of Independent Commission Against Corruption Advisory Committee on Corruption; (2) Non-executive Director of Urban Renewal Authority Board; and (3) Member of Honours and Non-official Justices of the Peace Selection Committee.

On December 12, 2025, the Government established the Independent Committee to examine the causes of the incident and related issues, ascertain the facts, and make recommendations on preventing similar tragedies and on improvement measures. The Independent Committee is chaired by Mr Justice David Lok, with Mr Chan Kin-por and Dr Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen serving as members. The Independent Committee held its first meeting on December 19 last year and aims to complete its work within nine months of commencing operations.

Mr Chan Kin-por wrote earlier to the Chief Executive, expressing his wish to suspend the aforementioned three public positions until the Independent Committee completes its work, in order to dedicate more time and focus to the Independent Committee's tasks. The Chief Executive has agreed to and approved the request.

A Government spokesperson said that since the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, both the Government and the wider community have been highly concerned about the causes of the incident and the follow-up work. The scope of the Independent Committee's work is extensive, particularly concerning systemic issues related to bid-rigging and connected interests. Given the numerous issues involved and their complex nature, the Government will fully co-operate with the Independent Committee to ensure that it can complete its work and compile its report within nine months. The Government extends its gratitude to Mr Chan for accepting the appointment as a member of the Independent Committee and for his professional and conscientious approach to the Committee's work. When the Independent Committee's work is completed, the Government looks forward to Mr Chan's continuous contribution through his aforementioned public positions.

Source: AI-found images