Dragon Boat Race

Did you know that Dragon Boat Racing has ancient Chinese origins and its history has been traced back more than 2000 years? The first participants were superstitious Chinese villagers who celebrated the fifth day of the fifth lunar month of the Chinese calendar. Racing was held to avert misfortune and encourage the rains needed for prosperity – and the object of their worship was the dragon. The dragon of Asia has traditionally been a symbol of water.

Nowadays, Dragon Boat Racing is a more fun affair and involves teams of ten in a 40 foot boat with a drummer and helm paddling frantically to beat the other teams down the course. The drums, shouting and colourful boats make it an impressive and exciting sport both to watch and to compete in.

Why not join Richard House’s Dragon Boat Race at The Docklands Sailing and Water Sports Centre on Thursday 23 May? Registration costs £50 per person and includes a barbeque buffet. The boat will hold 10 people and we’d like you to raise a minimum of £100 per person for Richard House. If you’d like to enter,For more information contact Manjeet Boparai on 0207540 0204 or email manjeetb@richardhouse.org.uk