Six New Dragon Boats Gifted by Tapei to City of Pawtucket - Celebration This Sunday

Six New Dragon Boats Gifted by Tapei to City of Pawtucket - Celebration This Sunday

Bob Billington, President and CEO of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, and May Lin with the Tapei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Boston, joined GoLocal News Editor Kate Nagle on GoLocal LIVE to talk about the announcement this week that TECO is gifting the City of Pawtucket six new boats for the Annual Rhode Island Dragon Boat Races. 

Director-General Douglas Y.T. Hsu of TECO officially announced the $120,000 gift to Pawtucket earlier this week — in addition, the Luke Charitable Foundation, which is based in Central Falls and headed up by well-known businessmen and developers Louis Yip and Sonny Ng, is covering the $80,000 to ship the vessels.

Tan spoke to how Taiwan’s relationship with Rhode Island — and 20-year relationship between Pawtucket and Taiwan aimed at strengthening economic and cultural ties — demonstrates the success of the Taiwan Relations Act passed by Congress in 1979.

On Sunday, April 7, the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center at 175 Main Street in Pawtucket will host a free celebration from 1 to 3 p.m. that will include a film, food and arts and crafts.
 
Billington spoke to how the gift will increase Pawtucket’s fleet to 12 dragon boats, which will enhance the race event. 

This year’s races are scheduled for September 7, and the 20th anniversary of the competition and Taiwan Day Festival will be observed with a celebration on September 6.