Olympic skiing star catches dragon-boat fever

Olympic gold medalist freestyle skier Eileen Gu said on Friday she hopes to return to Hong Kong next year for the dragon boat races. Gu was speaking after a dragon boat eye-dotting ceremony in Stanley Main Beach, where 185 local and international teams took their turns at a spectacular start to the Tuen Ng Festival that saw some 40 races being held. She attended the ceremony as the event's ambassador. "It's a very festive day and it's the Tuen Ng festival today, and I'm very happy," Gu said. "The atmosphere is very infectious and exciting. It's my first time watching dragon boat racing and I hope to return next year." She said sports are the best way to foster cultural exchanges and that Hong Kong is in a unique spot in being able to serve as a bridge to blending Eastern and Western cultures. Dragon-boat events, Gu said, combine sporting spectacle with culture, food and music – along with elements of both tradition and modern trends. The Stanley races also featured a food fair as well as a music party. Edited by Azam Khan