STORY: Canadian expat experiences dragon boat racing in China's Zhongshan
DATELINE: June 21, 2023
LENGTH: 00:02:24
LOCATION: ZHONGSHAN, China
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the dragon boat racing
2. SOUNDBITE (English): ADRIAN BERZENJI, Canadian expat living in China's Zhongshan

STORYLINE:

SOUNDBITE (English): ADRIAN BERZENJI, Canadian expat living in China's Zhongshan
"The Chinese Dragon Boat Festival is approaching. The people of Zhongshan love to celebrate the Dragon Boat (Festival) with eating Zongzi, racing their dragon boats and praying for peace and prosperity. But what is it about the unique charm of the dragon boats that attract people year after year?
Well, today we're gonna take a look at the unique culture and experiences of the Dragon Boat Festival.
During the Dragon Boat Festival, the city of Zhongshan will hold many dragon boat races here on the Qijiang River. This year I will get to participate in one of the smaller competitions. But how can an amateur like me participate in a dragon boat race? Well, thankfully, I've got a great team of people who are working to train me.
Come and take a look.
Here we have a boat that's just starting to practice their training. In a little bit, I'm gonna be able to get on a boat like this. And our own shifu (coach) is gonna be teaching us how to paddle a dragon boat.
So, this is our first practice in the boat with all of our teammates. You can see we've got friends from abroad and local friends as well, all working together. I'm a little nervous. I've never been in a boat with this many people before. I'm sure it's gonna be great.
Well, we've just finished our 2 hours of practicing in our dragon boat, and I'm exhausted.
But the best thing was when everybody was working together, and the boat starts to go fast. It's so much fun, and you just see everyone working together, and it's just this wonderful, wonderful experience.
This June 22, Dragon Boat Festival, Zhongshan will hold a truly spectacular Invitation-only Tournament on the Qijiang River. 40 teams from the Greater Bay Area will come to compete. Here, I'm wishing you peace and happiness. And may all your wishes come true during the Dragon Boat Festival. May all go well for you."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Zhongshan, China.
(XHTV)