Message from International Dragon Boat Federation
國際龍舟聯合會獻詞

On behalf of the IDBF may I first congratulate the Stanley International Dragon Boat Festival Organisers for 40 years of dedication to Dragon Boating through their organisation of the Stanley Races.

This is truly a wonderful achievement, unrivalled anywhere in the world. Second may I also congratulate the Festival for being one of the first International Races to become an IDBF Affiliate Festival and by so doing show the strength of the sport international and of the support of the Stanley Races, to the IDBF.

With over 200 crews, a record in itself and with the superb location and atmosphere, that are the hall mark of the Stanley International Races, this 40th Anniversary Festival looks set to be the biggest and best ever staged in Hong Kong. It is a credit to all those concerned with the organisation of this wonderful event and I wish all those involved in staging the races; the competing crews and the many thousands of spectators and guests, a great day at the races and good health, wealth and happiness for the future.

Mike Haslam
IDBF Executive President

( 譯文 )本人謹代表國際龍舟聯合會，首先向赤柱國際龍舟節的主辦單位祝賀四十年來在赤柱籌辦賽事的辛勞成果。這確實是非凡成就，在世上任何地方都無可比擬。

其次，本人要恭賀這項節日大賽能夠成為首批加入成為附屬會員機構的國際龍聯認可的節日國際賽。這樣，顯示了國際運動界的團結力量，也表示了赤柱賽事對國際龍聯的一份支持。

二百支參賽隊伍這個數目本身已經是一項紀錄，加上一流的地利和氣氛，那是赤柱國際賽一貫的招牌特色。今年40週年之際，大會顯然要做到全香港歷來最大和最好。這一切都要歸功於每一位關心過和參與過組織這項傑出大賽的人。本人祝願所有親身參與籌備人士、健兒和成千上萬的觀眾和來賓在比賽當日有個美好而盡興的一天，也祝各位天天身心康泰、萬事勝意、愉快開顏。

麥克•哈斯萊姆
國際龍舟聯合會執行主席