Fire fighters are renowned for keeping themselves fit. But their good health ethic is not just for rescuing people.
The Fire Services Department West Dragon Boat Team has been busy preparing for this month's Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races.
The team was formed in 2008 and now has more than 30 members, including new and retired firemen.
Team coach Lai Wai-ho said dragon boat racing is similar to the officers' firefighting duties in that it emphasises team spirit, and he encourages them to continue this team spirit tradition.
He said one of the main reasons so many people love dragon boating is for the harmonious interaction required by the crew, which is exactly what is required of fire officers.
"Team spirit is particularly important for firemen and I think it helps us to co-operate better in forming a good dragon boat team."
Shared experience
Cheng Tsz-ho joined the Fire Services Department two years ago. This year he joined the FSD West Dragon Boat Team.
"I can feel the team spirit here and I enjoy achieving our goals together."
Peter To has been dragon boating for more than 30 years. Even after he retired from the department, he stayed in the dragon boat team so he could mentor its new members.
"After joining the team I met a lot of new teammates. We practice after work. I enjoy the training very much. I am the eldest member of the team. I hope I can pass my experience on to the new team members."
The team has seen good results in international competitions. They won a gold and bronze medal in the 10th IDBF Club Crew World Championships in Australia earlier this year.
Coach Lai said: "We can gain more experience by participating in international matches. We can improve our technical skills and have been very fortunate to get medals."
Dragon's lair
The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival will be held at a new venue this year - the Central Harbourfront.
It is co-organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board and sponsored by the Government's Mega Events Fund.
Its highlight will be the iconic Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races which take place June 10 to 12.
To celebrate the event's 40th anniversary, it will feature some exciting new categories for paddlers from around the world to compete in.
Hong Kong Tourism Board Event & Product Development General Manager Mason Hung said the course length will be shorter this year due to the venue change. However, he believes this will make the races even more exciting.
"For the standard boats the racing distance will be reduced from 500 metres to 400 metres, and for the mini boats, or small boats, it will be reduced from 250 to 200. For the spectators it means more exciting competition because of the shorter distance. It means the paddlers have to make the best out of a shorter distance during the competition. So for the spectators it is more exciting. But for the paddlers it is more challenging."
Along with the on-water action, the carnival will also feature the Beer Fest and Family Zone, which have a host of other fun activities.
