20 Foreigners Form 'Navy' to Paddle Dragon Boat

20 Foreigners form "Navy" to paddle dragon boat Our report: Foreign "Navy" paddles dragon boat, shouting "I Love Hong Kong"! Silvan comes from Liechtenstein, a small landlocked European country with a population of only 30,000. He had no connection to the sea for the first half of his life. After moving to Hong Kong 20 years ago, he picked up a paddle and formed a team called the "Navy" to participate in local dragon boat races. They have won continuous medals over the past 15 years, and even bravely captured the championship in the Open Group at the Lamma International Dragon Boat Festival held early this month. This not only fulfilled his "dream of defending the sea" but also expressed his love and persistence for his second home, "Dragon boats represent the spirit of solidarity in Chinese culture!" Next Monday (the 2nd), Dragon Boat Festival, the team will compete in the International Dragon Boat Championships, determined to conquer another city and return triumphant. Heroes of "BB Phoenix Boat" go to war This year's Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships has attracted about 5,500 athletes and a total of 278 local and overseas teams to compete. It is expected that the foot traffic that day will exceed 100,000 people, making it the largest dragon boat race in Hong Kong. Silvan and his 19 teammates all have full-time jobs, but they still insist on waking up early in the morning to practice three times a week. In addition to training perseverance, they have also established a twenty-in-one team spirit, bringing their strength to the extreme. "Everyone has to match the beat and paddle at the same time to reach the finish line fastest!" Silvan further pointed out that dragon boat racing is like a silhouette of Hong Kong people's character, "Hong Kong people are tireless and strive for progress, dragon boating has taught me a lot!" Eighteen heroines also put on their armor, forming the "BB Class Phoenix Boat" to compete in the women's group. Captain Hui Po Ki said that the team members are company colleagues, and the vast majority are participating for the first time, ranging in age from 24 to 55. Some don't even know how to swim but volunteered to join. After only 18 hours of training, they are determined to finish in the top three, a proud spirit entirely based on a character that seeks breakthroughs. Hui said the team members are disciplined and can endure hardship. Even if they injure their waists during practice, they refuse to give up. "Starting from zero," they use the competition to show the perseverance and unyielding nature of modern women, "We are equally capable in the kitchen, present ourselves well in the living room, and can conquer the world!" Silvan (arrow) points out that coordination is the most difficult part of dragon boat racing. Female team members are disciplined and hardworking, hoping to conquer the world together.