The Northeast Pensacola Sertoma Membership, Inc. (SERTOMA) presents the ninth Annual Pensacola Dragon Boat Competition.
On September 30, hundreds of spectators will collect round Bayou Texar, simply off Bayview Park close to downtown Pensacola (2000 E. Lloyd St.), to assist almost 40 groups who might be racing for bragging rights and a specialised trophy for this locally-renowned occasion.
Dragon boating originated in Hong Kong in 1976, however its historic roots might be traced again to greater than 2,000 years in the past in China. Immediately, there are greater than 50 million individuals worldwide taking part in dragon boating every year. Groups and competitions are at the moment present in over 57 nations.
Throughout races, dragon boaters usually paddle an extended, slender canoe that seats 20 paddlers in 10 rows in sync alongside a 250-meter to 500-meter racecourse towards the end line. A steerperson positioned on the stern makes use of a 9-foot oar as a rudder and a drummer sits on the bow of the boat by the dragon’s head, going through the remainder of the crew.
SERTOMA, the organizer of the Dragon Boat Competition, was based in 1988 for the aim of contributing to the Pensacola Neighborhood by elevating cash and supporting many neighborhood charities. This yr, the Dragon Boat competition helps its charity companions within the Pensacola neighborhood: Gulf Coast Child’s Home, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity and the Escambia County Public Faculties Basis.
Occasion organizers notice you can put money into charities that serve the Pensacola neighborhood by changing into a sponsor and/or registering a crew and becoming a member of in crew fundraising. All sponsorship ranges are nonetheless open, and there’s nonetheless room for extra groups. You’ll be able to register and discover out extra info at pensacoladragonboatfestival.com or attain out straight through e mail at [email protected].
SERTOMA is making ready for a full day of racing, meals and festivities. This all-day competition is full with meals vans, native artists, youngsters’s actions, contests, music and extra. SERTOMA itself could have beer, water and Dragon Juice on the market. The day will start with the Younger Marines of Pensacola’s opening ceremony at 8 am with the primary race of the day commencing at 9 am. Every crew will race in three heats. This competition’s course is 300 meters in a straight line. The championship race might be held at roughly 4 pm, with the ultimate awards ceremony held instantly following the championship race.
The Dragon Boat race serves as a fantastic crew constructing expertise for corporations, organizations, native marid gras krewes, non-profits, municipalities, native companies, civic organizations, rowing golf equipment and so many extra. Dragon Boat racing encourages individuals to be inclusive, collaborative, organized, communicative, synchronized, productive and dedicated—all these expertise additionally assist individuals work higher as a crew within the enterprise world. Collaborating in a dragon boating session can construct teamwork and a way of camaraderie. Paddling collectively might be the nice equalizer that bridges the gaps between employees and managers, in addition to totally different departments of a company.
In response to the occasion organizers, whether or not you compete with a gaggle or sponsor one other crew, everybody is certain to go away with recollections, a better group of associates, sore arms and the truth that all of the enjoyable goes to assist the native charities of Pensacola.
Occasion organizers recommend carpooling when potential as parking might be restricted on the competition grounds. Bleachers might be arrange for spectators to get the most effective view of the race from begin to end. Admission to this competition is free to the general public, however alternatives to make donations might be accessible all through the day.
For extra info and particulars on sponsorship, go to pensacoladragonboatfestival.com or try @PensacolaDragonBoatFestival on Fb.
