Taipei, March 17 (CNA) The 2018 Hualien Pacific International Dragon Boat Race got off to a heartwarming start Saturday, with Team Japan making a donation to the eastern county for its post- earthquake reconstruction efforts.

Hualien Magistrate Fu Kun-chi (傅崐萁), who received a symbolic check from the Japanese team at the event's opening ceremony, thanked the team for its kind gesture.

The donation, totaling 240,000 Japanese yen (US$2,264), was made by the board members of the Japan Dragon Boat Association (JDBA).

In an acceptance speech, Fu extended his gratitude, welcoming the team and expressing hope that its stay in Hualien will be a memorable one.


Team Japan with Hualien Magistrate Fu Kun-chi (傅崐萁, back row, second right)

This year's event comprises some 800 athletes from 20 countries -- Argentina, Canada, China, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Hong Kong, Macau, the Philippines, Singapore, Spain, South Korea, the United States, Ukraine, Uruguay, Venezuela and host Taiwan.

The competition category consists of Open and Mixed 200-meter races.

Each boat carries a crew of 12, comprising 10 paddlers, one steersperson and one drummer.

The event, which is being held at Liyu Lake, will run until Sunday.

(By Lee Shien-feng and Ko Lin)
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