East China's Anhui province announced over the weekend that it will host its first international dragon boat contest on May 6 and 7 on scenic Lake Wanfo.

Organizers said eight dragon boat teams, including those from Britain, the United States, Australia, Malaysia and other regions, will participate in the contest with six local teams.

The contest is being organized by the government of Shucheng county in Anhui in cooperation with the China Dragon Boat Association and State General Administration of Sport.

Dragon boating, a traditional activity in China, normally takes place on May fifth of the Chinese lunar year (or June 15) in memory of Qu Yuan, an ancient Chinese patriotic poet.

Dragon boat competitions have become a popular sport activity around the world.

( China Daily April 22, 2002)