Dragon Boats are Set to Race Down the River During Ribfest | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Kamloops News

Dragon Boats are Set to Race Down the River During Ribfest

A Dragon Boat and its team on the water.
Image Credit: Contributed

The Kamloops Dragon Boat Festival is hosting its 4th annual Regatta on Saturday August 12th, 2017 at Riverside Park from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

The festival draws dragon boat teams from around the province to compete in this unique river race.  We have three divisions competing including Mixed (men/women), Women’s, and the Community Challenge comprised of individuals from local businesses/organizations. Each team consists of 20 paddlers, a steersperson and a drummer. 

Dragon boating itself has become a modern sport, with ancient traditions, that is both competitive and fun.  Kamloops has three main Dragon Boat groups which represent the inclusiveness of this sport.  The Kamloops Dragon Boat Club is open to all ages 16 and up.  The Kamloops Interior Dragons (KIDS) for ages 55+, and the Spirit Warriors open to all breast cancer survivors.  Each of these groups will be competing, each demonstrating how race results are based on a team’s cohesiveness as a unit.

Over the last 15 plus years dragon boating has become a sport of choice for breast cancer survivors for its health and supportive team building benefits.  In honour and recognition of those affected by breast cancer the festival will break for a carnation ceremony held at approximately 1 pm.  The Spirit Warriors have arranged to have carnations available for those wishing to take part. 

For safety and the integrity of race results, as sanctioned by Transport Canada, river traffic will be interrupted while races are in progress.  This means that boaters will be stopped and directed through if needed between the races.  Please also be aware that there will be buoys to mark the race course in the South Thompson River between Pioneer Park and Riverside Park from August 11 to 13, 2017.  We would like to thank all boaters for respecting these regulations during this period.

The festival committee welcomes all spectators to come and cheer on the competing dragon boat teams.  The best views are expected be from the public pier or main beach in Riverside Park. 

For updated information on this event please click here.


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