AIA Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships: Event History

Stanley itself had long been an important settlement for fisher folk and dragon boat racing has always been a very popular way to celebrate the annual Tuen Ng Festival. As far back as the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) East and West seemed to mix well here.

In the late ‘60s the local races started to attract the interest of several expats living in the Stanley area and by the early ‘70s the expats were racing against the local Chinese. The Chinese teams always dominated the races so to make the races fairer for all in 1975 the organizers divided the races to allow the expats to compete in a category of their own. This was followed shortly after by the introduction of a Ladies' Competition.

The early races were originally held at Stanley Bay facing Tin Hau Temple and Murray House creating a strong community festival atmosphere. However, to accommodate the ever-increasing scale of the event, the Championships are now run from Stanley Main Beach.

The diverse nationalities of Expatriate Men's Teams remain a feature of the Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships. The event also holds the record for always having the highest competitor turnout as well as the highest company team turnout. Over its 40 year history Race Day has evolved into an amazing festival with competitors and spectators enjoying themselves in a wonderful party atmosphere.

Having earned a worldwide reputation, the event has been listed in the international race calendar by the International Dragon Boat Federation since 2002. Having consistently attracted corporate sponsorship since 2003, AIA became title sponsor of the event in 2007. Each year, event organisers the Stanley Residents Association, work with the sponsors to further develop the Championships for the benefit of competitors, spectators and the local community.

Serving the Community

It has been an accepted practice that the Championships are organised on a low-budget-positive-return principle, so most of the work is done by volunteers, such as members of The Windsurfing Association, Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and the Hong Kong Sea School.

Revenue raised from the entry fees and donations are used to cover all the expenses of running the Championships, ordering new boats and maintenance with the surplus used to subsidize community service and promoting sports and recreation activities in and around Stanley. For many years, most youth and voluntary agencies in the Stanley community have enjoyed the privilege of having their entry and practice fees subsidised.

To promote dragon boating is a wonderful link to the culture of the region, but to find that across the world it has become such a popular sport is overwhelming. The efforts of the Stanley Residents Association and AIA pay off in increased tourism and increased interest in dragon boating as a sporting and cultural exchange, which together enhance this annual event so closely linked to the ancient Tuen Ng Festival.

 

For more information go to www.dragonboat.org.hk