Dragon boating is a fun filled, adrenaline pumping, water sports activity. Teams compete in Dragon Boats, which are large canoe-like vessels fitted with ornately carved dragon's heads and tails. Crews of up to 17 people sit in pairs and paddle to compete in multiple timed races over distances of around 250m. Each boat has a drummer beating time to keep the paddlers in unison, and a professional helmsperson in the stern to guide the boat.
This year, the race is between 27 teams, from companies in and around Stratford upon Avon, including Listers, the Stratford Manor Hotel, DoubleTree Hilton Stratford Hotel, Johnsons Coaches, BDR and SSP Worldwide. The Shakespeare Hospice’s own team named The Purple Pirates is also back this year.
The race is sponsored by Western Power Distribution, who is also entering two teams - Power Paddlers and Bright Sparks. Ben Scroggs, Trainee Engineer at Western Power Distribution, said:
“‘As a long term supporter of the Hospice and the Dragon Boat Race we’re delighted to be sponsoring the event again this year. Over the years the event has brought in thousands of pounds worth of much needed funds for the Hospice and is an excellent occasion for local organisations like ours to get together for a good cause.
We are looking forward to racing in a Dragon Boat again and will be doing our best to retain our trophy from last year!”’
SSP Worldwide organised a team in memory of their former colleague, Nigel who had received support from the hospice. Neil Jackson, Programme Manager at SSP, said:
“It was a big shock to us at SSP when Nigel became ill in 2017. Nigel had been with SSP a number of years, so the news hit our close-knit team hard. When Nigel passed away earlier this year we knew that The Shakespeare Hospice had done a lot for Nigel, Amy, Zoe & Tom. We therefore wanted to do something in remembrance, whilst also contributing to a charity that provides vital help and support to other families in the same position.
There will also be a big party to allow Nigel’s friends at SSP to celebrate his life, in a way he very much enjoyed.”
Families are being encouraged to join in the fun and come down to watch the dragon boat racing competitions from the riverside by the Stratford Boat Club at the REC. There will be refreshments available and activities for children such as face painting.
