Dragon boat racing makes a splash in New York park

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A Chinese culture and history celebration took over Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, the easternmost borough of New York City, for the 27th annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Races at the weekend.

More than 50,000 spectators crowded into the park to watch 200 teams take to water for traditional dragon boat racing.

The 27th annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival drew hundreds of participants at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in the borough of Queens. /AP Photo

"It's a fun event, it's also a family event," Henry Wong, chairman of the Dragon Boat Festival in New York, told Xinhua after the opening ceremony that began with a parade of athletes on Saturday.

"It originated from China but it got very popular among people with different backgrounds here in the US. The reason is simple, the races are a fun way to learn about Chinese culture and stay active," he added.

Teams from all over the United States, Central America and Canada participated in the races, with athletes ranging from teenagers to those in their 60s.

On your mark: A boat moves into position for the start of a race. /AP Photo

Dragon Boat Racing traces back to a legend based on the ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan, who lived between 340-278 B.C.

He advocated reforms in his home state of Chu, but the King of Chu greatly disliked him and exiled him.

During his banishment, Qu kept writing poetry expressing his concerns for his homeland and its people. Tragedy struck when he heard that his home had been invaded, prompting him to jump into the Miluo River and drown himself.

‍Moving into position for the race. (Photo: AP)

Upon hearing the news, people from the local community raced out to the river to save him, but failed. To keep his body intact and sacred, they began beating drums and slapping the water with their paddles, making sure his remains were not desecrated by fish or water dragons.

They threw rice dumplings into the water as an offering to his spirit, which explains why rice dumplings are still eaten during today's Dragon Boat Festival.

This tale sparked the beginning of traditional Dragon Boat Racing.

While races may have evolved over the centuries, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in New York keeps the tradition of Dragon Boat Racing alive in the Big Apple.

Participants at the 27th annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in the borough of Queens, New York City, US. /Photo via www.timeout.com

"This year's festival is of special significance as we are marking the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China," said Joanne Chu, director of HKETO New York, which has been the title sponsor of the event for 27 years.

The home of the dragon boat festival was strategically chosen, since Queens accommodates more Chinese descendants than in any other area in the United States.

The two-day event features traditional Chinese dances, food and other cultural campaigns. /Photo from New York Daily News

Being home to the 1962 World's Fair where exhibitors worldwide showcased their inventions and culture, Corona Park is still the perfect place for people to come and enjoy family fun and sportsmanship while sharing the unique and rich history of Dragon Boat Racing.

"It's a tougher sport than I had expected," said Walid with the UPS dragon boat team, who joined the race for the first time, "but it is a lot fun."

"When you are racing, there is part of you that comes out, that does not come out during practice, so there is a special feel on the water, when everybody thinks the same thing, that is winning!" said Lily, a young lady competitor from a Boston team.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency