On the 3rd to 5th July 2015, breast cancer survivors hailing from Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and UK competed in the International Breast Cancer Survivor Championship during the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival. The pink fleets began their journey at Victoria Harbour, with the purpose of celebrating life and to promote the sport.
The world’s first dragon boat team formed by breast cancer survivors, named Abreast in a Boat, appeared in 1996, as part of a study conducted by the University of British Columbia. It was found that the sport benefits women recovering from breast cancer by providing strenuous upper body exercise in a healthy environment, and promoting physical and emotional health.
The three-day carnival, dubbed one of the hottest summer events in Asia’s world city, featured a total of 4,000 paddlers of the world’s best dragon boat athletes and it is part of Hong Kong Tourism Board’s summer promotion, attracting global visitors. The campaign, SHOP EAT PLAY, is a great opportunity for visitors to experience fun in Hong Kong.
While enjoying the races, visitors and the locals got to quench their thirst with chilled beer, enjoy spectacular stage performances, take part in the San Miguel Dry-Land Dragon Boat Challenge, beer-drinking competitions and let loose at the BeerFest.
For more details about the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival or the latest happenings in Hong Kong, check out Discover Hong Kong.
