Mayor Street said, "The City of Philadelphia is excited to be hosting the World Dragon Boat Championships. Over 2500 athletes from 24 countries will be bringing this exciting sport to our city."

"Philadelphia is an international city," Mayor Street added, "and worldwide events like this draw national and international attention to Philadelphia.  The races also promote a friendly spirit of competition and a deeper appreciation of the various cultures of the people living in our region."

The five-day World Dragon Boat Racing Championships begin with a colorful and festive center city parade on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Wednesday, Aug. 1,  at 6:30 P.M. at 20^th St. and the Parkway.

National teams in uniforms will carry their own country flags in the parade that ends on the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum with the "Awakening of the Dragon" Ritual.  Performed by a ritual Taoist priest dotting the eyes of the magnificent dragon, the slumber of the dragon is over, officially opening the races.

William Mifflin, executive director of the Fairmount Park Commission, will host the ceremony, as Mayor Street and other dignitaries welcome World Dragon Boat Racing participants. Officials from the International Dragon Boat Federation will also speak.  The world famous Philadelphia Boys Choir will perform.

The four days of races begin early in the morning of Thursday, Aug. 2,  and end Sunday evening, Aug. 5, with the awarding of the medals at the closing ceremonies which also include the passing of the IDBF Flag to the People's Republic of China for the next world championships races in Shanghai in 2003.