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Some 30 years after the first HKIR in 1976, dragon boating has truly become a modern sport for all. The sport has been recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and has set inclusion in the Olympic Games as its ultimate aim.

A step in the right direction was the inclusion of dragon boat racing in the 2008 Asian Beach Games, and another will be its inaugural participation in the 2010 Asian Games. Meanwhile, by way of a little knock on the IOC’s door, 2008 saw the Olympic Flame being carried by dragon boat during both the Hong Kong and Macau legs of the Beijing Olympic Torch relay.

In ending this introduction to the whys and wherefores of dragon boating, may I summarize the whole activity by saying that dragon boat racing is a sport for every level. You can compete with your crew at the highest level of competition, the IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships. You can also compete with your club crew, your colleagues and friends from work, or your local community, and, at each level, enjoy a challenging day of racing.