Xinhua News Agency, Canberra, April 22 (Reporter Yue Dongxing Bai Xu) the dragon boat originated from China is becoming one of the water sports with increasing popularity among the Australian people. From the perspective of the just-concluded Australian National Championship, its positive effect has gone beyond the scope of pure competition.
On the 22nd, the five-day Australian National Dragon Boat Championship ended in Canberra. As Australia’s highest-level dragon boat race, this annual race was founded in 1998 and this year is the 22nd. The event attracted more than 3,000 players from all states and regions in Australia.
“The scale of the competition is expanding every year, and it may increase to 6 days next year,” Christine PRIST, chairman of the Australian Dragon Boat Association, said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency on the 22nd.
According to the event organizer, dragon boat sport has become one of the fastest growing water sports since it was introduced into Australia in 1980. Currently, there are about 200 clubs in Australia and about 7500 members. Many towns may become the “home” of a local dragon boat club as long as they have a river or lake that meets the sports conditions “.
Talking about the reason why dragon boats are popular in Australia, PRIST said: “Because it is a community activity and very open, children as young as 12 years old and old as 85 years old, as long as you are healthy enough, you can participate, because it has various levels of events that you can choose from.”
Zhu Zijing, 23 years old this year, has his parents in southern provinces of China. He settled in Australia with his family and has become the leading player of a club in Melbourne. He said that by participating in dragon boats, he could better integrate into the local culture.
“In our team, most of them are Australian. As a Chinese, I can communicate with them more easily through dragon boats. If I don’t participate, I may not realize so many friends.” Zhu Zijing said.
This young man from the University of Melbourne introduced that one of the reasons why dragon boats were popularized in Australia was an organization called “side by side with Dragon” more than 20 years ago (DragonsAbreastAustralia), it has launched an initiative to strengthen physical fitness and feel happy by participating in dragon boat sports, so as to resist the risk of breast cancer and help survivors recover. Therefore, at present, the main participants in Australian dragon boat sports are middle-aged and elderly people.
“Now slowly young people are also involved. For me, the most attractive thing about dragon boats is the team spirit of 20 people working hard for a goal in one boat, which is very rare in water sports.” Zhu Zijing said.
The 57-year-old lady Alyson Barrell is a member of a club in Sydney. She has been involved in dragon boat sports for 6 years.
“Before I retired, I was a police officer. Once I went to Singapore to see the demonstration of dragon boat, and then I took part in it after work. I liked it more and more, and felt a little” addicted.” She said, “because for people in their 50 s, there are not many optional sports.”
“But dragon boat is a way to help you get health and happiness in the middle and late stages of your life. Moreover, Australians like outdoor and water sports. Dragon boats originated from China exactly fit the essence of people’s lifestyle here. Although it is not a mass movement, it is becoming more and more popular.”
In addition to bringing a healthy lifestyle, strengthening community communication and enhancing team spirit, in PRIST’s view, dragon boat can also play a bridge role in international exchanges.
“China is the home of dragon boats. We respect the history and tradition behind the sport. For example, before the Australian national championship, we will also hold some ceremonies such as finishing wishes and dragon and lion dances.” The chairman of the Australian Dragon Boat Association said.
“Dragon boats let us know more about Chinese culture. Not only Australia, it is also becoming more and more popular in Asia. Moreover, it makes everyone understand that we are all friends on this planet.”