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| No.1 February, 2012 |
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Hong Kong office dives head first into the Year of the Dragon |
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 This year's annual Dragon Boating Competition saw the Australian Chinese Friendship team sail into a first place win in Darling Harbour last month.
The Hong Kong Economic Trade Office (HKETO) this year sponsored for the first time the Australia China Youth Organisation to compete in the community racing that makes up part of the City of Sydney's, Chinese New Year celebrations.
 The team of 20 consisted of HKETO employees, interns and ACYA members who competed enthusiastically during the full day of racing that saw them securing a place in two finals. As the HKETO-ACYA team took to the waters for their two finals, the excitement was described as palpable. Racing concluded with the teams placing first and third; a testament to the commitment of the members over the last five weeks.
Training had commenced in early January and for many, it was the first time they had taken to the water on a Dragon Boat. This however was no obstacle to success, at the hands of Viliame Vunasau-Naivalu and Alex Neill, the individual paddlers where turned into one sleek, synchronised paddling machine.
 Charbel Rahmi, project research officer at HKETO laughed, "We were so excited with results. The progress everyone's made was incredible, especially considering at the first training I wasn't sure if we would sink or float!"
Complete strangers mere weeks ago, the team members laughed like old friends as the day rolled on.
"The encouraging team atmosphere and friendships developed between ACYA members and those representing the HKETO, is a micro representation of the strong friendship and mutual respect between Australia and Hong Kong," said ACYA President, Jenni Catterson.
"Our progress as a team, our timing improvement was remarkable and it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to physically immerse ourselves in a special part of Chinese Culture."
"It was a physically challenging experience powered by a common passion - what a great way to start the Year of the Dragon!"
This was the first time HKETO sponsored a team for the races but after this year's success, it is hoped to become an annual event.
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