International Events -
Shanghai October 2004

Shanghai Daily News Article

(this article provided by Lexie Warren)

Qingpu prepares for dragon boat finals

Tao Xiafang, deputy director of Qingpu District, expressed her confidence the district will successfully hold one of the world's most vibrant sporting event - the fifth IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships, from October 20 through 24.

"The district of Qingpu is excited to be hosting the World Dragon Boat Championships," said Tao. "Over 2,000 athletes will be bringing this exciting sport to our city."

So far, over 1,200 professional and amateur paddlers, from 14 countries and regions across the globe including Britain, Japan and Malaysia, have signed up for the upcoming event.

Part of the World Championship will include a race with breast cancer survivors.

"We have organized a team composed entirely of some 25 breast cancer survivors to compete for top spot in the race," Tao said, adding that the special team will start training later this month.

She mentioned it will help them grow stronger as individuals and as a team, as well as promote a sense of belonging and unity.

According to Tao, a worldwide event like this will draw national and international attention to Shanghai, especially Qingpu District.

"We will honor our commitments to organize the best-ever World Dragon Boat Racing Championships with Chinese characteristics," Tao added.

"Of course, it needs our continuous efforts in the following months."

Tao said during the preparations for the event, Qingpu District has done its work in various aspects.

The Shanghai Water Sports Field, located at the lakeside of Dianshan Lake in Qingpu District, has been chosen as the venue to stage the dragon boat racing, due to its high-standard water quality and facilities.

Tao stressed the Water Sports Field has the best boating facilities in Asia, where many prestigious water sporting events are held each year.

"The site facilities strictly meet the international standard and are qualified to hold the event," said Tao.

The district government spent nearly 3 million yuan (US$361,445) in renovating and building facilities, including docks and racing lanes, as required by the International Dragon Boat Federation.

A digital screen was also set up at the match site.

"The facilities have won praise from the IDBF officials," said Tao.

When talking about the long-awaited marketing plan, Tao said they are still trying to attract more sponsors.

Dragon Boat Racing originated in China over 2,000 years ago. But over the past few years, it has quickly spread both geographically and in popularity. It has adapted to a modern culture particularly to a corporate team culture.

Tao said the championship will not only enhance exchanges among sporting enthusiasts across the globe, but will also provide a massive boost to what was already a rapidly growing sport.

"With this chance, we hope to display our district's charming scenery as well as rich culture," she added.

"It is of great opportunity to lift the district's image and attract foreign investment."

The dragon boat itself is 15.5 meter long, canoe-like craft made of fiberglass or teak, which is colorfully painted and decorated with a dragon's head on the front and a dragon's tail on the back.

A crew consists of around 23 paddlers sitting side by side.

In the third century BC, Qu Yuan, a Chinese statesman, drowned himself in the Mi Luo River as a protest against a corrupt government. The people of his village grieved his death by paddling in the river, splashing their oars and beating drums to scare away fish and water dragons from Qu Yuan's body.

From that time on the Chinese commemorated the death of Qu Yuan by holding a dragon boat festival each year on the anniversary of his death, May 5th according to the Chinese calender.

- Shanghai Daily News