The Hong Kong Jockey Club has supported the annual Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade.
The Water Parade began over a century ago when the region was struck by the plague and was seen as a way to purify the community. As such, the Water Parade is inscribed onto the Third National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).
During the event, traditional dragon boats from local fishermen’s associations tow their sampans, carrying deity images from local temples, and parade through the waterways to seek blessings for the community.
Since the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust began its support in 2012, more than HK$9.5m (US$1.21m) has been donated to the event.
These funds have been used to build the boats, create educational programmes to keep the heritage alive and pay for personnel for the event.
A total of 320 dragon boat paddlers and 160 volunteers came together to partake in the event that drew hundreds of visitors to the area to spectate.
The opening ceremony was officiated by David Lam, HKSAR Government Acting Secretary for Development, and attended by several officers.
This year, three new traditional dragon boats debuted through the funding made available by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.
By introducing new boats, the organizers hope to encourage more people to get involved each year and inject new vitality into the century-old tradition.
Participating organisations were also awarded gifts by Anita Fung, Club Steward, for their efforts in getting the event running.
These initiatives align with the HKSAR Government’s Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0 and the National 15th Five-Year Plan by diversifying community events.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club also recently hosted its inaugural Tourism Cup as part of a development forum alongside mainland China.
After the ceremony, it is custom for the boats to race one another to see which team is the fastest and strongest
