(Clearwisdom.net) On National Australia Day, January 26, 2005, on the well-known Darling Harbor, several hundred decorated boats, yachts and ships participated in the largest National Day celebration event -- the regatta. This exciting and splendid annual event always attracts tens of thousands of spectators. Countless tourists along the bay watched the contest. Looking toward the Sydney Opera House, the great dense crowds formed a magnificent scene. As usual, Falun Gong practitioners also participated in the regatta and won the award for "best decoration."

Yacht

Dance performance by Minghui School students

Xie Yan, who performs the Pipa dance, was just rescued from China's labor camp last year

Falun Gong practitioners win the award for "best decoration"

All of the yachts in the contest were not only in various odd shapes, but each was uniquely decorated. Some small sailboats freely chased each other around the harbor, while various dinghies and powerboats raced offshore, causing a row of white waves. There were also pirate ships, catamarans and other types of boats. People on and off the shore waved and cheered. It was quite bustling and exciting.

The Falun Gong practitioners chartered a ferry boat that can hold nearly 300 people for the event. It was decorated with big red lanterns and pink gauze, which evenly covered the entire boat. The decoration was fashioned in the style of the Tang Dynasty. Ten beautiful dancers dressed in ancient Chinese costumes stood on the deck. A waist troupe representing the folk culture of northwestern China was also on the deck. Several practitioners from different nationalities demonstrated the Falun Gong exercises on the top deck. Their peacefulness amongst the noise and excitement drew great attention from the tourists. Banners with words, "Falun Dafa is great" in English and Chinese were hung on both sides. It was reported that most people on the boat were practitioners' family members, friends and guests from different walks of life.

On the boat, one could see a truth-clarifying poster exhibit on the lower deck. A large-screen TV against the wall played a video of the New Tang Dynasty TV's Chinese New Year Gala. Near the bow on the second level was a cafeteria. A performance stage was set up at the stern where graceful dances performed by Minghui School students attracted many visitors. Falun Gong practitioners' Tang Dynasty dance and Pipa (traditional Chinese musical instrument) dance performance were also warmly received.

Ms. Liu Jinghang gave a speech. Ms. Liu was originally a researcher from the China Academy of Science. She made a great contribution to the development of China's science and technology. She talked about how Falun Gong has benefited her both spiritually and physically. Since the persecution began, she was imprisoned in a forced labor camp and a brainwashing center. She called on people to pay more attention to the suppression of Falun Gong in China. Her speech moved many people to tears. Ms. Xie Yan, a young lady who performed a Pipa dance was rescued by her fiancé ¬ast year from a labor camp in China. She also told the audience about the persecution she had suffered in China.

Elaborate preparation, beautiful costumes and the Falun Dafa display were greatly admired. Falun Gong practitioners also won the award for "best decoration."