MACAO - The 2012 Macao International Dragon Boat Races kicked off Saturday at the island city's Nam Van Lake Nautical Center, with 138 local and overseas racing teams participating in the annual competition.

During the event, racing teams will compete in the 250-meter, 500-meter and 2,000-meter races, according to Macao Sport Development Board.

The highlight- Macao International Invitational Standard Dragon Boat Race will be held on next Saturday, the Dragon Boat Festival. Teams from China's mainland, Hong Kong, Macao and foreign nations covering the United States, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines will compete for the champion.

The races are co-organized by the Sport Development Board and Macao-China Dragon Boat Association.

The dragon boat race, has been a significant Chinese cultural heritage as the celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival and Macao has a long history of hosting the sports event.