Hundreds swim in HK harbor race
Source: Agencies |
October 17, 2011, Monday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
HUNDREDS of swimmers yesterday took part in a new version of Hong Kong's harbor race, which had been suspended for 33 years because of concerns about water pollution.
In calm seas and under partly cloudy skies, the swimmers negotiated the 1.8-kilometer course linking Lei Yue Mun in Kowloon to Quarry Bay on Hong Kong Island. Hundreds of spectators cheered them at the finish line.
"I had heard a lot about the cross-harbor race," 22-year-old David Wong said after completing the swim. "It was wonderful finally having the chance to participate in it."
The cross-harbor race was first held in 1906, when Hong Kong was still a British colony, and suspended after the 1978 race because of pollution concerns.
This year's event was held several kilometers east of the traditional Victoria Harbor course in an area thought to be relatively free of bacterial and other pollutants.
In recent years, Hong Kong has been engaged in a major effort to clean the harbor, putting special emphasis on controlling raw sewage. However, some concerns about water quality remain.
Swimmers were pleased with conditions for the event.
"It was a lot cleaner than I thought it would be," said information technology manager Martin Wray, 47.
"There was no visible rubbish," said paralegal Davis Hui, 27. "And there were hardly any waves."
In calm seas and under partly cloudy skies, the swimmers negotiated the 1.8-kilometer course linking Lei Yue Mun in Kowloon to Quarry Bay on Hong Kong Island. Hundreds of spectators cheered them at the finish line.
"I had heard a lot about the cross-harbor race," 22-year-old David Wong said after completing the swim. "It was wonderful finally having the chance to participate in it."
The cross-harbor race was first held in 1906, when Hong Kong was still a British colony, and suspended after the 1978 race because of pollution concerns.
This year's event was held several kilometers east of the traditional Victoria Harbor course in an area thought to be relatively free of bacterial and other pollutants.
In recent years, Hong Kong has been engaged in a major effort to clean the harbor, putting special emphasis on controlling raw sewage. However, some concerns about water quality remain.
Swimmers were pleased with conditions for the event.
"It was a lot cleaner than I thought it would be," said information technology manager Martin Wray, 47.
"There was no visible rubbish," said paralegal Davis Hui, 27. "And there were hardly any waves."
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