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Chinatown Dragon Boat Race Tests Stamina, Celebrates Asian Culture

By DNAinfo Staff on June 28, 2014 3:31pm  | Updated on June 30, 2014 8:17am

 The 14th annual edition of the event was held in the Chicago River off of Ping Tom Memorial Park in Chinatown on June 28, 2014.
2014 Dragon Boat Race for Literacy
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CHINATOWN — The dragon boat race that took over the Chicago River Saturday was not only a showcase of sport, but of Asian culture as well.

"It's bringing together the Asian-American community. A great celebration of the diversity that is here in Chicago," said Rose Olea, a West Loop resident who served as a drummer for the CDW Dragon PAC team.

Olea's team was among 30 teams that took turns in rowing 45 heats taking place throughout Saturday's Dragon Boat Race for Literacy.

"It's the Asian version of team rowing," said Lakhi Siap, an Avondale resident who was the event's emcee. "Your arms will get sore."

The event, held at Ping Tom Memorial Park, featured food trucks, Chinese cultural performances and most notably, the boat racers. Proceeds from the teams, which raised money to compete, are headed to local literacy groups.

Each team includes 18 rowers, one drummer and one person responsible for grabbing a flag at the finish line.

"The drummer is the least exciting person," said Olea, who set the rowing rhythm for her team. "I was basically along for the ride."

More than 10,000 people were expected to come to the event Saturday, said Sharyne Moy Tu, executive director of the Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce.

Among the early visitors were Gov. Pat Quinn, who helped kick off the event, and the Republican challenger for his seat, Bruce Rauner.

But for others attending the event, it was about watching a sport and learning about community. That includes Pearl Rollinger, who moved to Lincoln Park from California last year and watched the event for her first-time with her 4-year-old son.

"I'm of Chinese heritage and I try to expose my son to my culture," Rollinger said. 

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