The Hong Kong Dublin Dragon Boat Regatta will be held at the Grand Canal Dock on Saturday and Sunday, September 10th and 11th.
The event is sure to make for a fun weekend, with a wide variety of races and activities to entertain members of the public.
Teams can consist of between 17 and 20 people, with each team requiring 16 paddlers, one drummer and up to three reserves. The minimum number permitted on a team is 13, with 12 paddlers and one drummer. The IDBA will provide all of the equipment and helms, with each team just needing to provide their paddlers and drummer.
The event is organised by the Irish Dragon Boat Association in conjunction with Plurabelle Paddlers, and is sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office. There will be numerous prizes to be won, both for winners of the races and for best dressed.
Races will run over 200 and 400 metre distances, with categories including under-18s and the Novice Challenge, in which teams can raise funds for a charity of their choice or wear fancy dress (with a prize being given to the team with the wackiest outfit). Among the organisations entering teams are One in Four, who are seeking to raise funds to help survivors of sexual abuse, and the Lagan Dragons, who help women regain fitness and live a full life after breast cancer treatment.
While dragon boating is a relatively unknown practice in Ireland, over 50 million people from 84 countries take part in this 2,000-year-old sport every year. It is because of its widespread appeal that competitors from the USA, Canada and Germany will be taking part in the international category at this year’s event.
By Kevin Carney
Images provided by Julie Doyle (Irish Dragon Boat Association)
