ZAMA PARTICIPATES IN THE DRAGON BOAT RACES

2018-10-24

The Dragon Boat Races are a very popular activity in Hong Kong. Hong Kong holds many wonderful dragon boat campaigns every June. ZAMA fortunately received the invitation for the Stanley Dragon Boat Races held on June 22 this year.

On the day of the big race, dozens of dragon boats and yachts floated on the sea. With the picturesque silvery beach, crystal blue water, and the gentle sea breeze, one could easily fall in love with the beauty of the Stanley Dragon Boat Races.

The starting time of races was scheduled at 8 o’clock in the morning. The beach was bustling and crowded with people coming from all over the world to watch more than 100 teams race on the water. ZAMA men’s team kicked off ahead of the women’s team, making the women the best cheering squad for the men’s team.

The women came to the front of dragon boat, carried water with cupped hands, and poured it into the dragon’s mouth while whispering: “Dragon boat, dragon boat drink more, the more you drink the faster you go.“ The men encouraged each other as they awaited to begin the race. With the sound of the starting gun, ZAMA men’s team set out toward the course. The sounds of rhythmic oaring were accompanied with constant encouragment and coaching, helping our dragon boat move ahead faster and faster. With the sound of cheering, ZAMA men’s team arrived at the destination and ranked first in group team competition. Dragon boat races lasted the whole day and finished around 4 o’clock in the afternoon. Each team had raced three times that day. In the end, ZAMA men’s team were proclaimed the champion of the Golden Plate group while women’s team took fifth place in the Golden Cup group. ZAMA dragon boat team historically held the championship trophy for the first time ever, giving every member smiles on their faces. At this moment, we once again experienced the charm of dragon boat and team spirit.

The most touching picture came from Mr. Shubert and Mr. Koenig today, both of them took their families to Stanley, the site of the races. From the beginning to the end, they kept cheering for us on the beach. After the races, Mr. Schubert and Mr. Koenig took the photo with dragon boat team members. Mr. Shubert said, “Even though other team members look stronger than us, we eventually defeated them. The ideal result comes from your hard training and the spirit of team work.“

Today is August 25, which marks more than two months since we joined Hong Kong Dragon Boat Races. Regardless of how long ago it was, we feel excited when we recall the memories of that day. With the end of Stanley Races, the ZAMA dragon boat campaign looks forward to the arrival of 2015 and competiting once again with our ZAMA dragon boat team.

Dragon boat culture reflects one part of ZAMA culture: team spirit and happiness, which affects everyone in ZAMA more or less. I believe that would be the original idea of Mr. Schubert for establishing a dragon boat team.