THE Chung Wah Association organised its first dragon boat regatta at Champion Lakes last weekend with its team winning the event in front of more than 800 spectators.
It was the first time the association had organised the staging of the event with the Lakers Dragon Boat Club.
Among the guests were Chinese Consul General Lei Kezhong, State Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Mike Nahan and Armadale Mayor Henry Zelones.
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READ NOWMr Lei said dragon boat race was a traditional Chinese sport and a “window to the world” to highlight Chinese culture.
Chung Wah Association project and marketing manager Catherine Huang said the WA Shanghai Federation co-hosted the regatta, which was also supported by many other local Chinese associations.
Spectators were treated to a lion dance display by the Chung Wah Dragon and Lion Dance group to mark the official opening.
There were also traditional dancing and music performances.
The Chung Wah team started training in April and took out first prize after three rounds of racing.
“They have been training every weekend despite the cold winter weather,” Ms Huang said.
She said the association was planning to organise a regatta to attract international participants to WA as part of Tourism Australia’s aquatic and coastal campaign.