Stanley Dragon Boat International Races 2008 -Message from IDBF 國際龍舟聯合會獻詞 (赤柱龍舟國際錦標賽)

The Stanley International Dragon Boat Festival was one of the first International Races to become an IDBF Affiliate Festival and the Festival Organisers are to be congratulated in this their 41st year of organising the festival, for showing such dedication to the traditions of Dragon Boating in Hong Kong and also their support of International Dragon Boat Sport through the IDBF.

The superb location and atmosphere are the hall marks of the Stanley International Races and I am sure that this year the crew entries will be as high as ever and the races will probably be the biggest staged in Hong Kong during the Double Fifth Dragon Boat Festival day.

This year for the first time there will be an IDBF Technical Representative present to advise on the Racing Rules and it is a credit to all the Organising Committee of this wonderful event that they have taken this very positive step of inviting an IDBF Official to the Festival Races.

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
　

赤柱國際龍舟競渡是其中一個最先成為國際龍舟聯合會認可加盟節日賽事的國際賽。在此謹恭賀主辦單位過去41年來守護龍舟傳統所作出的努力，成果豐碩，也要感謝大會藉着支持國際龍舟聯合會來支持龍舟運動邁向國際。

一流的地利和氣氛是赤柱國際賽的招牌特色。本人深信，今年參賽隊必定再創高峰，又極可能是端午節當天全香港最大型的賽事。

今年，賽會首次有國際龍舟聯合會選派的技術代表駐場，提供競賽規則方面的意見。這一切，端賴籌委會仝人努力不懈，令比賽精益求精，邀請 IDBF 的委員參與，向前再邁進一大步。

本人祝願所有參與籌備的人士、健兒和成千上萬的觀眾和來賓在比賽當日有個美好愉快的一天，也祝各位身體健康、萬事勝意。
　