Opening Remarks from Greg Buchai, Honorary General Consul of Ukraine
Houston Dragon Boat Festival 2001
Saturday, October 23, 2004

On behalf of the Ukrainian community in Houston I would like to thank Chairman Eugene Lee, President Dr. Caroline Long and all the volunteers for their efforts in
organizing this Dragon Boat Regatta and festival in Houston. It is with great pride that we welcome our fellow Ukrainians who have come to participate in this exciting event. We, in the Ukrainain Community in Houston are proud that Ukraine was able to send its 21 member team to the Dragon Boat Festival in Clear Lake. The team is lead by Olexander Bakanychev a very distinguished citizen of Ukraine. In addition, I would like to extend our warmest wishes and appreciation to Mayor White because his is no stranger to Ukraine, to Mayor John Manlove, Commissioner Sylvia Garcia, Astronaut Dr. Ed Lu, and to all the guests and participants.

Through my meeting with Caroline Long, our Ukrainian community has taken a keen interest in this unique festival and we have come to understand that Dragon Boat Festivals are a treasure of the Asian culture. How interesting it is to learn that the festival’s purpose is to dispel evil, wickedness and to seek peace both in oneself and in the world. We are here to celebrate and encourage all of the of the dragon boat
teams in their endeavor. During this full Moon period in Houston, we are grateful for
the gathering of friends, families, and we look forward in drinking some Hsiung Huang Wine and eating moon cakes to protect our health as we watch the festivities and the
races. Thank you, for letting us participate in such a fine event and, God willing, we will see you next year. Have a great time."

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