This weekend Darling Harbour will play host to the biggest Dragon Boat race regatta in the Southern Hemisphere to mark the end of City of Sydney’s Chinese New Year celebrations.
In a battle of the sponsors this summer, China Southern took out the Ferrython on Australia Day and is looking to make it two from two this coming Sunday, issuing a challenge to The Star Dragon Boat team.
The Dragon Boats will take to the waters on Sunday in the corporate race, wrapping up the Year of the Goat celebrations. The China Southern team will comprise of a mixture of airport and head office employees who will be competing in the event for the first time, but are feeling confident after a stellar performance in the Ferrython.
Amolaya Rattanathasaniya, Regional Marketing Head Australia & New Zealand for China Southern said the event is a great team bonding exercise, and a great way to end Chinese New Year celebrations.
“Participating in events like the Dragon Boat racing and other festivities for Chinese New Year is great for team bonding, and a great representation of the company, our brand and Chinese culture.”
Amolaya Rattanathasaniya
Dragon Boat racing originated in Southern China, as a commemoration of Qu Yuan, the Chinese poet and minister, who drowned in the river Miluo. Spectators can watch from the 90-metre viewing pontoon as the more than 3000 competitors take to the waters in 12-metre long boats, each with a carved dragon head and tail.
As an Associate Partner of CNY15 Sydney, and in its second year of sponsorship, China Southern has helped to bring the Festival Launch, Twilight Parade, and now Dragon Boat Races to life.
China Southern is also running competitions in both Melbourne and Sydney to coincide with Chinese New Year.
