Dragon Boats Still Available

Dragon Boats will once again line

the River

Avon this summer with the second charity boat race.

Launched last year as part of the

first

Chippenham River Festival the Dragon Boat race brings a bit of Chinese

tradition to the town.

The 40ft long boats, decorated with

dragon’s heads and tails, caused quite a spectacle last year and are

expected to do the same at this year’s event.

Organised by The Rotary Club of

Chippenham the

boat race is due to take place on July 10 in a series of sprint races

over a

250 metre course.

Last year’s boats were manned by

teams

of 20 from local companies and organisations, all raising money for a

chosen

charity.

Boats are still available in the

year’s race for teams to take part. 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.

A Rotary spokesman said: “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 exciting, colourful, and fun with no experience required. It's a

lot

of fun and most teams that took part in 2009 have booked again for

2010.”

The entry Fee is £399 per team

(£299 per under

18 teams).  For more information and details about how to enter visit

the

Rotary Club’s website 

Spectators are welcome and food and

drink will

be available along with a beer/Pimms tent.