Latest news with #WaterVipers
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Chinese legends, Disney characters compete in Hong Kong dragon boat race
Competitors marked the final day of Hong Kong's International Dragon Boat Races on Sunday by donning an array of colourful costumes that included beloved characters from animated films and Chinese folklore. Hongkongers, expats and a team of visiting Canadian paddlers were among those taking part in the fancy dress competition held on the event's second day. The contest was organised by the city's Tourism Board and the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association. Toronto's Water Vipers dragon boat team was among the nine groups competing for the best fancy dress, with their around 22-strong crew rocking up to the event with geese hats. Water Vipers paddler Christopher Trotman, 36, said his team was spending about a week in Hong Kong amid the competition. 'So far it's been great,' he said. 'Toronto is a very multicultural city, so we have people who are locals from Hong Kong, and that's been great in helping us experience the city.' The Hong Kong Disneyland team rocked outfits inspired by the animated movie Moana. Photo: Eugene Lee The fancy dress contest put an emphasis on style over racing, with those taking to the waters including a team from the MTR Corporation, who dressed up as popular Chinese legends Wukong and Ne Zha.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Paddles Up: Toronto's Water Vipers Gear Up to Make Waves at the Prestigious 'Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races'
This championship-winning team is set to represent Canada on the international stage from June 7-8 TORONTO, June 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Toronto's championship-winning dragon boat team, the Water Vipers, is set to compete at the prestigious 'Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races' (HKIDBR) from June 7-8, 2025. The event is jointly organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association. Set against the stunning backdrop of Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour, this globally renowned event will bring together over 190 teams from 12 countries and regions, transforming the Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade into a thrilling festival of speed, tradition, and celebration. This marks a proud moment for Canadian paddlers as they join elite teams from around the world in one of the most iconic dragon boat festivals. Representing Canada on the international stage, the Water Vipers is a vibrant, multicultural team brought together by a shared passion for paddling. Established in 2008, the Toronto-based team includes members ranging in age from 20 to 40, hailing from diverse cultural backgrounds, including Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Italian, British, African, Indian, and more. Led by longtime coach and captain Andrew Liew, the Water Vipers have earned a reputation as one of Canada's top dragon boat teams. 'We're incredibly excited and honoured to represent Canada at such a prestigious international event,' says Andrew Liew, Team Captain and Coach, the Water Vipers. 'Our team has trained hard, and we can't wait to race alongside some of the best paddlers in the world in Hong Kong.' Andrew, who has nearly 20 years of experience as a paddler and coach, is also the owner of Afterburn Fitness Club and General Manager at Sunnyside Paddling Club. He leads paddling specific strength and conditioning classes and technical coaching classes. The Water Vipers have previously earned the Grand Champion title of the GWN Dragon Boat Challenge and the Pharmasave Woodstock Dragon Boat Festival in 2024. Their qualification to compete in Hong Kong is a testament to their dedication and hard work. About Water VipersFounded in 2008, the Water Vipers Dragon Boat Club is Toronto's premier 'twice-per-week' competitive dragon boat team, dedicated to achieving excellence without compromising members' other commitments. The team focuses on efficient, high-quality training designed to deliver consistent, top-tier performance on water. Guided by core values of fitness, inclusiveness, growth, development, and passion, the Water Vipers foster a diverse and supportive community that embraces paddlers of all ages and backgrounds. For more information on the team, click here. About 'Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races' (HKIDBR) The Dragon Boat Festival was inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity. Hong Kong's Dragon Boat Festival is a thrilling, high-adrenaline event that attracts elite paddlers from across the globe to compete in one of the city's most celebrated summer traditions. The 2025 Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, jointly organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association, returns to Victoria Harbour from June 7-8. This year, over 190 teams from 12 countries and regions will race against the backdrop of Hong Kong's iconic skyline, drawing enthusiastic crowds of locals and visitors alike. Click here to view the race programme. To learn more about HKIDBR, visit here. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. Media can download photos at the following link: For media inquiries, please contact: Jorge Lee Tel: (416) 366-2389 ext 206 Carol Lam Tel: (416) 366-2389 ext 201
