GB International Derek Kyme Flies in for the Laracy & Co Lamma International Dragon Boat Festival -- Thirsty Horse

May 14, 2011 - PRLog -- Media Release
14th May 2011
Hong Kong

“Great Britain International Dragon Boater Derek Kyme Flies in to Hong Kong for the Laracy & Co Lamma International Dragon Boat Festival 2011”

The former captain of the Lamma Dragons, who went on to become a international dragon boat paddler for Great Britain, Derek Kyme, has returned to Hong Kong to compete in the Laracy & Co Lamma International Dragon Boat Festival 2011 being staged on Sunday 15th May at Tai Wan To Beach, Lamma Island, Hong Kong.

Kyme, affectionately known as ‘Del’, skippered the Lamma Dragons men’s team to an unprecedented second place at the Stanley races in 2000. After leaving Hong Kong to return to the UK in 2003 he was selected for the Great Britain senior team and went on to represent his country around the world in three World Championships and three European Championships, most notably winning a gold medal in the 500m competition at the 2004 European Championships.

“It’s brilliant to be back in Hong Kong,” said Derek, “I’ve still many friends here and it’s wonderful to see them again.”

“I’m really looking forward to getting back in the boat again for Lamma Dragons in the Laracy & Co Lamma 500. I’ve heard so much about the Festival, I just can’t wait!” said Derek.

“It’s great to have an international paddler of Del’s calibre coming back to his dragon boating roots and competing at the Lamma 500,” said Event Director Brad Tarr.

“He’s paddled at the highest level all around the world, with success too,” Brad continued.

The Laracy & Co Lamma International Dragon Boat Festival 2011 starts at 9am at Tai Wan To (Powerstation) Beach, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island Hong Kong.

Entry for spectators is free and food and drinks are available at the beach.

For further information and Lamma Island ferry schedule see www.lamma500.com

Laracy & Co Lamma 500 Schedule – May 15th 2011
9am First race
12.30pm 1,000m race
4pm Men’s, Women’s, Mixed finals
5pm Awards presentation
5.30pm Lamma 500 Beach Party

Great Britain International Derek ‘Del’ Kyme Dragon Boat Bio
2000 Stanley Races, Hong Kong - Lamma Dragons
   2nd place
2004 European Championships - GB senior crew
   Gold 500m, Silver 100m, Silver 200m
2004 World Championships, China - GB Senior crew
2005 World Championships, Berlin, Germany - GB senior crew
2005 Masters International, The Great River Race (26 miles, over 300 boats)       1st place setting a course record of 2hr 6min, 33 secs
2006 European Championships, Prague, Czech Republic
   Silver 2000m, Silver 500m, Silver 200m
2007 European Club Crew Championships, St Petersberg, Russia.
2008 European Championships, Saubaudia, Italy
   Silver 500m, Bronze 2000m
2009 World Championships, Prague, Czech Republic - GB senior crew

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About the Laracy & Co Lamma 500

Founded in 2007, the Lamma 500 is one of the most challenging and competitive races on the Hong Kong dragon boat calendar. Staged on Lamma Island’s Tai Wan To Beach it offers a deep, fast-water course, set against the incredible backdrop of one of the territory’s highest peaks, Mount Stenhouse, and the dramatic industrial landscape of the Hong Kong Electric Company.

‘The Lamma 500’ known for its International-race standard 500-metre course length, is a celebration of Hong Kong’s Dragon Boat history. Staffed and supported by the Lamma Island Fishermen’s Recreation and Sports Association, The Laracy & Co Lamma International Dragon Boat Festival blends the history of Lamma’s sea-faring community with the present-day competition of local Hong Kong teams and international guest competitors.

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