Ontario to host world dragon boat championships

NEWS RELEASE

ONTARIO MINISTRY OF TOURISM

*********************** McGuinty Government boosts international dragon boat races Funding supports marketing of world-class dragon boat championships

TORONTO, July 18 - Toronto will host the International Dragon Boat Federation Club Crew World Championships for the first time, and the Ontario government is investing $200,000 to market the event to U.S. border cities and western Canada, Tourism Minister Jim Bradley announced today. "Dragon boat racing is one of the world's fastest growing water sports, with millions of active participants," said Bradley. "The races offer four days of vibrant, fun and entertaining sport and help make Toronto an exciting summer destination for tourists."

The International Dragon Boat Federation Dragon Boat (IDBF) Club Crew World Championships will run from August 10-13, at the newly constructed Western Beaches Watercourse near Marilyn Bell Park.

More than 4,000 athletes from across Canada and the world will compete in the races.

Other cities that have hosted IDBF championships include Rome, Beijing, Cape Town and Berlin.

Government support for dragon boating also includes:

- helping the Dragon Boat Caravan Project introduce dragon boat racing to approximately 20,000 Ontarians by offering the use of 500 new paddles, 500 new lifejackets and 12 new dragon boats - supporting the IDBF championships organizing committee purchases of equipment, certification of coaches and officials, and training of volunteers for the competition

Steeped in tradition, dragon boat festivals and races have been an important part of Chinese culture for centuries.

The eye-dotting ceremony, held today, is an ancient ritual blessing called "Hoi Kong" that gives sight to the dragon boats as they are prepared for the championships.

The Ontario government is supporting several festivals and events in Toronto this summer, including:

- the Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Caribana) Festival 2006, from July 14 to August 7 - the Chinese Lantern Festival, from July 20 to October 1 - the Great Ontario Salmon Derby, from July 8 to August 26 - the Rogers Cup tennis tournament, from August 5 to August 13

"Our government is honoured that the International Dragon Boat Federation selected Toronto to host this year's championships," said Bradley. "Events like this give a substantial economic boost to our tourism industry, and provide an unforgettable experience for visitors."

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