Sports Bureau (ID) President Pun Weng Kun told reporters yesterday he believed that the number of spectators at the 2024 SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races will reach 16,000, or even more, which would be similar to last year, despite the weather not being stable these few days.
The annual races, which start tomorrow and end on Monday, will take place at the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre.
Pun made the remarks on the sidelines of the blessing ceremony for the 2024 SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races yesterday morning, adding that dragon boat racing has become a traditional sports event for residents and tourists alike in Macau, adding that he was “optimistic” about the three-day event.
Pun also said that the enthusiasm for this year’s competition remained unabated, with about 200 teams from mainland China, Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam and other places. There will also be more activities outside the venue to attract the public and tourists, with a carnival with food stalls to be held at Anim’Arte Nam Van from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during the races, Pun noted, welcoming both residents and tourists to join.
The races will be broadcast live on various TV channels including TDM Ou Mun, TDM Sport and Ou Mun-Macau (with Cantonese and Portuguese commentaries), on the event’s official website www.macaodragonboat.com and on “Macao Major Sporting Events” Facebook page.
For more information, members of the public can visit the official website www.macaodragonboat.com, or follow the “Macao Major Sporting Events” Facebook page, “澳門體育” (Macao Sports) WeChat public account and “澳門特區體育局” (Macao SAR Sports Bureau) WeChat subscription account.
This handout photo provided by the Sports Bureau (ID) yesterday shows ID President Pun Weng Kun (centre), SJM Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer Angela Leong On Kei (second from left), and other representatives posing for the blessing ceremony of the 2024 SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races at Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre yesterday.
