Dragon Boat Racing

　Today,/I would like to introduce a popular event/in China.// That is dragon boat racing.//
　First,/I’ll explain the basic points/of the race.// Crews on dragon-shaped boats/compete with each other/along a several-hundred-meter straight course.// A crew typically consists of twenty paddlers,/a drummer,/and a steerer.// The drummer leads the paddlers/with the drumbeat,/and the steerer controls the boat.//
　Second,/I’ll talk about its historical/and cultural aspects.// Dragon boat racing originated in China/over 2,000 years ago.// A part of Chinese culture/is seen in the Eye Dotting Ceremony/held before the race.// The dragon’s eyes/on the head of each boat/are painted/to “awaken” the dragon/from its sleep,/which is for water safety.//
　Today,/dragon boat races are held/in many countries/such as Australia and Japan.// A traditional Chinese event/has now become a modern sport/across borders.//