Vancouver International Dragon Boat Race closed in Vancouver Sunday with 200 dragon boat teams participating in the three-day event, attracting hundreds of thousands of local and foreign visitors.

The 200 teams were from Canada, Germany, the United States, Australia and the Philippines.

One of the characteristics of this year's event was the large number of young people who joined the race.

"The big bonus for that is I actually got to do this hobby with a bunch of amazing friends over here. I think that is what makes the sports more meaningful than it already is," Kenneth Chang, a young Vancouver racer said.

Consul General of the Chinese Consulate-General in Vancouver Tong Xiaoling spoke highly of the event. She said the performances and shows by the Chinese community in Vancouver present excellent aspects of the Chinese culture, adding that "it is important to reflect the integration of the Chinese community and the local Canadian society, especially to promote the relationship between people."

At the event, the Chinese community in Vancouver performed traditional Chinese lion dances, traditional music, martial arts and a Peking Opera. They also held Chinese food-making and tea art shows.

The international activity was introduced from China to Vancouver during the 1986 Vancouver World Expo and has become an international event in Canada. It's regarded now as the largest and earliest Dragon Boat event in North America.

(Cover: Participants in the Dragon Boat Race. /Xinhua Photo)