The 2024 SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races will start tomorrow at Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre and will run until Monday.
Over the course of three days, approximately 200 teams from Macao, mainland China, Hong Kong and overseas countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines will be competing against each other across various categories, including the 500-metre Macao International Invitation Standard Dragon Boat Race that will feature up to 36 teams.
The turn out for the event is expected to be strong, according to Sports Bureau director Pun Weng Kun who spoke with local media on the sidelines of a blessing ceremony held yesterday. He said he expects the total audience numbers to either reach or exceed the 16,000 recorded at last year’s event, and believes that the inclement weather forecast for Saturday won’t be a deterrent.
[See more: The International Dragon Boat Races are returning this June]
Meanwhile, a daily average of 320,000 entries and exits are expected to be made via the Gongbei Border Gate over the Dragon Boat Festival holiday period, according to data published by China’s National Immigration Administration. Other ports that are anticipated to see high levels of use include the Qingmao Port and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, which are expected to register a daily entry and exit volume of 105,000 and 101,000 respectively.
In addition to the competitive events, this year’s Macao Dragon Boat Race will feature parade performances, booths selling food and crafts, workshops and games.
The races can also be seen on TDM’s various channels, as well as on the event’s website and on Facebook.
