11th June 2005

 

Supposively the second biggest sporting event in Hong Kong (I'm guessing after the rugby 7s) the Dragon boat festivals/races are held over several locations during the Tuen Ng Festival - namely Tsuen Mun, Sai Kung, Shatin, and Stanley.  Briefly, this festival commemorates the death of Qu Yuan, a popular Chinese national hero, who drowned himself in the Mi Lo River over 2,000 years ago to protest against the corrupt rulers.  As the town's people attempted to rescue him they beat drams to scare the fish away and threw in (yummy) dumplings to keep the fish from eating Qu Yuan's body.

 

Anyway, I was privileged to join the Waterloo Warrior's team on very late notice in Stanley.  With zero dragon boating experience I wasn't too sure whether I helped the team or hindered the team - but at least my dead weight was a good counter balance to my rowing partner.  Having said that, it was great fun, the highlight being the water fights whilst we where waiting for the eye dotting ceremony.  :)