The 2015 Macao International Dragon Boat Races, organised by the Sport Development Board of Macao SAR Government and Macao-China Dragon Boat Association, were hosted at Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre on 13^th, 14^th and 20^th May. In great festive spirit, the competitions drew a large crowd of spectators, including both locals and tourists.

After three days of intense competition, all races were completed with all awards going to their rightful owners. In the final of the open category on the last day of the races, Indonesian Dragon Boat Team, the favourite of the race, successfully defended its winner’s title, and it was followed by China Nanhai Jiujiang Dragon Boat Team that settled for first runner-up again after 2013, ahead of SJM Golden Jubilee, the second runner-up.

For the female category, the outstanding China Nanhai Jiujiang Dragon Boat Team successful defended their winner’s title, followed by first runner-up Philippine Dragon Boat Federation and second runner-up Tianjin, China. For Macao University Student Invitation Race - Standard Boat - Open 500M, the University of Macau took the crown after two rounds, while the first runner-up and second runner-up went to the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Beijing Normal University (Zhuhai Campus) – College of Sports and Recreation, respectively.

The guests of honour present at the awards ceremony included Chief Executive of the Macao SAR Government, Chui Sai On; Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Sun Da; Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR, Cai Siping; Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Tam Chon Weng; Spokesman of Executive Council, Leong Heng Teng; members of the Legislative Assembly, Vong Hin Fai, Leong On Kei and Zheng Anting; President of Macau Sport Development Board, José Maria da Fonseca Tavares; President of Macao-China Dragon Boat Association, Lam Ieng Lok; President of the Administration Committee of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, Vong Iao Lek; Acting Director of the Public Administration and Civil Service Bureau, Kou Peng Kuan; Executive President of the International Dragon Boat Federation, Mike Haslam, and the President of the Asian Dragon Boat Federation, Hu Jianguo.

In addition, the organisers invited various community organisations in Macao to render cultural performances in a parade for the public during the races. The performances comprised different forms of dance, music, marching, magic and juggling, so that spectators could experience the diversified elements of culture, tourism and entertainment in Macao whilst enjoying the dragon boat races in the traditional festival.

Winners of the 2015 Macao International Dragon Boat Races: