Hong Kong President, Robert Burns, with Richard "Ossie" Osborne.

The message below from the President of the Hong Kong Dragons appeared in the 2011 ANZAC Friendship Match footy record.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

The opportunity to combine playing Australian Rules Football in a foreign country whilst at the same time making a meaningful contribution to strengthening local cultural ties with Australia is rarely offered.

When asked by the Vietnam Swans President, Phil Johns, to participate in the first international ANZAC Friendship Match, the Hong Kong Dragons quickly responded with a resounding “yes”.

The Hong Kong Dragons and Vietnam Swans have had a long standing friendship over a number of years and the ANZAC Friendship Match not only strengthens our relationships with the Vietnam Swans but gives our players and club the opportunity to contribute to the enormous good will being generated in bringing Vietnam and Australia closer together as neighbors and friends.

We look forward not only to a closely contested game on the field, but also to a few cold drinks and stories shared with friends afterwards.

The tour to a Local Orphanage and the Dawn Service on Easter Monday will be highlights of the tour.

The Hong Kong Dragons feel humbled and honored be to invited as the first team to contest this first international ANZAC Friendship Match.

We look forward to this event running for many years ahead and thank the Vietnam Swans in advance for their hospitality.

Robert Burns
President
Hong Kong Dragons