Organized by the Sports Bureau and the Dragon Boat Association of Macao, China, and co-organised by the Municipal Affairs Bureau and the Public Administration and Civil Service Bureau, the Macao International Dragon Boat Races 2020 will be held on 20, 21 and 25 June at Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre. The Organizing Committee held a press conference today (5 May) to present the event details to the public, which was attended by Pun Weng Kun, President of the Sports Bureau; Chung Hon Kun, President of the Dragon Boat Association of Macao, China; Ko Pui San, Head of the Department of Cultural and Recreational Affairs and Civic Education of the Municipal Affairs Bureau; Leong Sio Fong, Head of the Division of Social Welfare for Public Administration of the Public Administration and Civil Service Bureau; and Lau Cho Un and Lam Lin Kio, Vice Presidents of the Sports Bureau.

In consideration of the spread of the novel coronavirus outbreak, the Organizing Committee decided not to invite overseas participants this year and to limit the event to local races for only two days on 21 June and 25 June (Dragon Boat Festival) instead of three days as in previous years. To spice up the atmosphere at the event, a dragon boat themed family carnival will take place on 20 June, where the public may enjoy the fun atmosphere through a variety of booth games and activities.

The Macao International Dragon Boat Races 2020 offers limited places for six categories, including: Macao Small Dragon Boat Race (48 teams for Open Category, 15 teams for Women Category), Macao Public Entities Small Dragon Boat Race (15 teams), Macao University Student Small Dragon Boat Race (6 teams for Open Category) and Macao Standard Dragon Boat Race (30 teams for Open Category and 12 teams for Women Category). Interested parties may register in person at the office of the Dragon Boat Association of Macao, China, or online through www.cmdragonboat.org.mo from 6 May to 12 May, 7 p.m. Registrations will be accepted until all places are filled and no entries will be placed on a waiting list. The Organizing Committee reminds that registrants should submit the team’s information including name list by 7 p.m. on 25 May. For any changes of team members, registrants should submit the application by 7 p.m. on 29 May and late applications will not be accepted.

To share the festive joy with the public, this year’s event will present not only a dragon boat themed family carnival, but also parade performances and booths for creative products and local cuisine. With the dragon boat races and the carnival, the Organizing Committee believes that visitors will gain an authentic experience of Macao's dragon boat festival celebrations; the event will establish itself as a unique brand of sports tourism in Macao and facilitate the diverse development of the city’s sports sector. 

In compliance with anti-pandemic guidelines, this year the Organising Committee will implement a series of preventive measures during the practice period and the races. For instance, participating teams must follow the timetable arranged by the Committee during the practice period; crowd control measures will be applied in the athlete and spectator areas; and all individuals including participants, spectators and staff members must undergo body temperature check, present ‘Macao Health Code’ and wear face masks upon entering the venue. During the preparation process, the Organizing Committee will pay close attention to the latest information on the pandemic and develop appropriate measures and arrangements for the event accordingly. For more details, please visit the official website www.macaodragonboat.com.