Practice pays off, John!
Did you know that the Office of the Comptroller took the Gold in the NYC Municipal Challenge race at the 31st annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival?
Our crew was called “Liquid Assets,” and boy, did we have fun coming up with that name. Props to this hard-working group who met up on Saturdays in Queens, rain “oar” shine. I loved training with the team this summer.
The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival is a beloved annual tradition that takes place in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in mid-August. Every year, teams from all over North America compete in fiberglass boat races. This includes the NYC Municipal Challenge, a race between teams representing City agencies.
The festival, which began in 1990, is inspired by the legend of Zhou dynasty poet, Qu Yuan. In addition to the races, there’s also a parade, traditional music and dance performances, and souvenir and food vendors. Big thanks to the organizers of this amazing festival!
Last year, I remember watching Public Advocate Jumaane Williams’ team compete at the festival. The Comptroller’s office hadn’t entered a team in some years, but I knew we could put some “pier pressure” on the competition.
Well, we ended up really “rocking the boat”! The Comptroller's team won decisively, by at least a full boat length. Mayor Eric Adams’ team took Second, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and Public Advocate Williams’ teams were Third and Fourth. All the rowers put in a lot of effort, and I loved getting to see everyone!
Events like the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival are one of the things I love about New York. It represents the best of what municipal government can be – people working together to accomplish big things.
Thanks,
Brad
