Energetic boys from community centre determined to do their best in their first race

Nine boys, most of them newcomers to the SAR, have formed the first junior dragon boat team from the Sai Kung District Community Centre to compete in today's Sai Kung District Dragon Boat Race.

It is the youths' first attempt at dragon boat racing, according to Adward Tam Tak-hoi, a social worker at the centre.

'We organise the race every year, but many junior races are cancelled because of the lack of participants,' he said.

Thinking that learning dragon boat racing might be a precious experience for the boys at the centre, Mr Tam began to recruit team members.

From more than 20 applicants, Mr Tam chose nine swimmers who were willing to practise three times a week for the mini-dragon boat race. The boys named themselves 'Se Ching Lung', meaning a team of young dragons.

Mr Tam said the boys were never absent from practice. 'They have become more polite and determined. They respect their coach and are disciplined.'

Primary Six student Lun Hon-wing, 14, who came from the mainland a few years ago, said he had learned to co-operate with others. 'We've made impressive progress within a month. It's all about teamwork.'