Dragon boat activity, voluntarily organised by the community, promotes the development of sports and tourism activities. Since pre-1979 era, the activity has been promoted as an annual international dragon boat race. Athletic teams from different countries are invited to Macao to participate in this sports event enriched with traditional features. Dragon boat teams from Hong Kong, Japan, the US, the Philippines, China, Thailand, Singapore, Korea, Australia and Europe frequently participate in the races. Macao International Dragon Boat Races will be held from the 16 to the 18 of June at Nam Van Lake Nautical Center. In 2001, the International University Student Dragon Boat races for men and women were included in the programme. In the past, the races primarily took place on Nam Van and Sai Van Lakes. Since its establishment, the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre has become an ideal competition venue for the competition.