Toronto ETO Celebrates Dragon Boat Racing Festivals in Toronto and Ottawa

Toronto ETO celebrates dragon boat racing festivals in Toronto and Ottawa

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (Toronto ETO) joined community leaders, athletes, and thousands of spectators at the 38th Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival (Festival) held on the Centre Island in Toronto, Canada, celebrating the global appeal of dragon boat racing and the strong cultural ties between Hong Kong and Canada.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Festival on June 13 (Toronto Time), the Director of the Toronto ETO, Mr Bill Wong, congratulated the Toronto Chinese Business Association on hosting another successful edition of one of the most anticipated summer events in Ontario.

"Exactly 50 years ago, the first international dragon boat race took place in Hong Kong, transforming a traditional Chinese cultural activity into a modern international sport," Mr Wong said. "Ten years later, dragon boat racing arrived in Canada during Expo 86 in Vancouver before expanding to other major cities across the country, including Toronto."

He added that the annual Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival, one of the city's signature mega events, will take place in two weeks. The event will feature teams from 16 countries and regions, including Canada.

Mr Wong invited friends in Canada to visit Hong Kong this summer to experience in person the energy of dragon boat racing at the world-renowned Victoria Harbour, as well as the rich culture and vibrancy of the city.

On both days of the Festival, the Toronto ETO set up a Hong Kong Pavilion with a mini-exhibition to showcase the history of dragon boats. Gifts were also distributed to the race spectators.

As one of the highlights of the Festival, the commemorative Hong Kong Cup, sponsored by the Toronto ETO, was presented to a winning teams on June 14.

The Toronto ETO will also support the Dragon Boat Festival in Ottawa from June 19 to 21 (Ottawa Time), to continue promoting dragon boating and fostering cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Canada.

Supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (Toronto ETO), the 38th Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival was held on the Centre Island in Toronto, Canada on June 13 and 14 (Toronto time). Photo shows the Director of Toronto ETO, Mr Wong (front row, fifth left), presenting awards to the winning team of the Hong Kong Cup. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto), the 38th Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival was held on the Centre Island in Toronto, Canada, on June 13 and 14 (Toronto time). Photo shows dragon boats racing at the Festival. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto), the 38th Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival was held on the Centre Island in Toronto, Canada, on June 13 and 14 (Toronto time). A Hong Kong Pavilion was set up at the venue with a mini-exhibition showcasing the history of dragon boats. Gifts were distributed to race spectators. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto), Mr Bill Wong (back row, fourth right), officiates at the opening ceremony of the 38th Toronto International Dragon Boat Festival with guests from three levels of government, business sectors and communities on the Centre Island in Toronto, Canada, on June 13 (Toronto time). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto), Mr Bill Wong, delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the 38th Toronto International Dragon Boat Festival on the Centre Island in Toronto, Canada, on June 13 (Toronto time). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Major Sports Events Committee awards "M" Mark status to four events

The following is issued on behalf of the Major Sports Events Committee:

The Major Sports Events Committee (MSEC) has awarded "M" Mark status to the FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships 2026 (June 17 to 21), the 2026 Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races (June 27 and 28), the Volleyball Nations League Hong Kong 2026 presented by China Life (Overseas) (July 8 to 12) and the Kerry Fencing World Championships 2026 Hong Kong, China (July 22 to 30).

Dragon Boat Race, Photo source: reference image

The Chairman of the MSEC, Mr Wilfred Ng, said today (June 15), "We are very pleased to award the 'M' Mark status to these four distinct events. The chess championships and dragon boat races held in June represent a perfect blend of stillness and motion - one featuring a deep sense of intellectual competition, and the other showcasing rich traditional Chinese culture and team spirit. In July, top-tier women's national volleyball teams from around the world will once again engage in fierce battles at the Kai Tak Arena, and the first-ever Fencing World Championships will also be held in Hong Kong. The public and tourists will be able to witness the peak showdowns of world-class athletes up close. These four events will not only bring a diverse spectating experience to the public and visitors, but also fully demonstrate Hong Kong's unique charm and capability as a centre for major international sports events."

The "M" Mark System aims to encourage and help local National Sports Associations and private or non-government organisations to organise more major international sports events and nurture them into sustainable undertakings. Sports events meeting the assessment criteria will be considered for "M" Mark status by the MSEC. Funding support will also be provided to some events. The "M" Mark System aims to promote the development of major sports events, cultivate a sustainable sporting culture, enhance Hong Kong's image as a centre for major international sports events and bring tangible economic benefits to the community.

The Volleyball Nations League Hong Kong 2026 presented by China Life (Overseas) (July 8 to 12) , Photo source: reference image

For details of "M" Mark events, please visit www.mevents.org.hk.