TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In a spirited display of camaraderie and competition, dragon boat teams from the United States, Japan, and the Kaohsiung City Government, led by Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁), braved the rain for a joint practice session on the Love River (愛河) on Sunday (June 2). Despite the inclement weather, the teams are determined to race to victory during the Dragon Boat Festival.
The practice session saw Neil H. Gibson, director of the American Institute in Taiwan Kaohsiung Branch (美國在台協會高雄分處), Mayor Chen, and Masafumi Oku (奧正史), director of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Kaohsiung Office (日本台灣交流協會高雄事務所), leading their respective teams in a show of strength and strategy. This year marks the first time the AIT Kaohsiung Branch, with members from the Kaohsiung American School (高雄美國學校), has formed the "AITK" team, under Gibson's leadership.
International Friendship Through Competition
Gibson expressed gratitude for the city government's arrangement of professional coaching, which allowed many team members to experience the joy of dragon boating for the first time. He confidently stated, "AITK will definitely be the first to raise the flag and claim victory on the day of the Dragon Boat Festival." Oku highlighted the enthusiastic participation and the strong bond of friendship between Taiwan and Japan, with the Japanese teams named "Kizuna" (絆), symbolizing the deep ties between the two cultures.
The Kaohsiung Love River Dragon Boat International Carnival is set to welcome 15 sister cities, friendly partner cities, and diplomatic institutions in Kaohsiung, showcasing an unprecedented level of international participation. This event not only highlights the competitive spirit of the teams but also celebrates the warm and vibrant atmosphere of Kaohsiung during the Dragon Boat Festival.
