Forthcoming Events

Sunday 10th May 2009

The Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper's Dragon Boat Day 2009 is an annual fund raising event held alongside the River Thames in Abingdon (click here to see a map of the location). Races start at 10.30am and continue throughout the day, finishing late afternoon.

What is Dragon Boat racing?

Dragon Boat racing is an ancient Chinese tradition over 2000 years old and is one of Britain's most competitive water sports. It's a great way to raise money and it's spectacular, colourful, exciting and fun!

No experience required!

What is a Dragon Boat?

A Dragon Boat is a 40 foot long narrow boat, decorated with a Chinese dragon head and tail, and propelled by a crew of 16 paddlers who are kept in rhythm by a drummer. An experienced member of the event organisation crew (The Organisation) steers the boat and ensures that everyone has a fun but safe time on the water.

Teams and Races

Teams are made up of at least 17 people (16 people to paddle the boat, plus one drummer). Teams can change their crew between races so that more people can have a go. Each team is given full safety instructions and a short practice before the races.

All equipment is provided, boats, paddles, life jackets etc., and the whole event is organised with safety in mind.

Teams will race each other in a number of heats throughout the day and the fastest teams will then compete in the final. The winning team will be presented with medals and a trophy at a prize giving ceremony at the end of the day.

Fundraising

Each team is to raise money for charity through sponsorship. The target is to raise £2000 per team, with one third of the money raised going to the Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper's charity fund and two thirds to the team's nominated charity.

Attractions

There will be lots of things to see and do on Dragon Boat Day 2009 apart from Dragon Boat racing.

Past events have seen art and craft stalls, games, a raffle, a barbecue, a bar, various refreshment stalls, a bouncy castle, a climbing wall and a fairground.

Taking Part

You can take part in Dragon Boat Day 2009, either by entering a team or having a stall. If you are interested in taking part, please read the information below and fill in an application form.

Stallholders

If you would like to have a stall at Dragon Boat Day 2009, please download the Stallholder Application Form and return it as soon as possible.

• Stallholder Application Form (PDF format, 333Kb)

Teams

If you would like to enter a team at Dragon Boat Day 2009, please download the Team Information Pack. This tells you about entry fees, raising sponsorship, sponsorship forms, and includes an application form. Promotional posters are also available, which you can put up to promote the event.

• Team Information Pack (PDF format, 853Kb)
• Dragon Boat 2009 team poster (A4) (PDF format, 644Kb)
• Dragon Boat 2009 event poster (A4) (PDF format, 793Kb)
• Dragon Boat 2009 event poster (A3) (PDF format, 917Kb)

New for 2009! Raise money with Justgiving

We have teamed up with Justgiving so that you can raise money online.

Click on the button below to go to the Justgiving site and start raising money. If you need help setting up a fundraising page, please download our Justgiving help sheet (PDF format, 304Kb).

Any other questions?

If you have any other questions about the event, please fill in the Stallholder contact form or the Dragon Boat Day contact form and one of the Dragon Boat Day 2009 organising committee will contact you.