Rotary club takes the plunge with dragon boat race

Lake to hold race as club searches for teams

The Ashford Rotary Club is looking for willing vikings to take up oars and drums as it hosts its first-ever dragon boat race.

Club leaders are inviting teams of 17 to get involved with the event - being held on Saturday, May 25 at Conningbrook Lakes with each team taking part in at least three heats.

The timed rounds will lead the fastest groups to the knockout stage, followed by a grand final.

A prize will also be awarded to the best-dressed team on the day.

Managed by a company called Dragon Boat Events Ltd, competitors will be guided by professionals and briefed on health and safety.

Ashford Rotary Club spokesman Peter Gammon said: “There will be thrills and spills. You will probably - well, more than likely - get wet.

“It will be exciting and testing. It will be an entertaining day for participants and their family.

“Team members are at liberty to champion individual organisations, but it is usual for each team to select just one so that it may receive a significant amount.

“Alternatively teams may wish to raise money for Ashford Rotary Club for use in supporting charities and good causes.

“It is no surprise that such an event costs money to organise and run. It is usual with such events to ask participants to offset those costs.

“So we are asking each team member - including reserves - to pay a fee of £25, which really is not much to ask for a full day’s thrills and entertainment.

“If teams are mainly formed of workmates it is not uncommon for their employer to pay the entrance fees, after all, the event is a real team building opportunity. So speak to your boss.

“If you are up for the challenge please let us know as soon as possible. We realise that May seems a long way away but there is a restriction on the number of teams that can take part.”

Visit www.ashford-kent-rotary.club for details.

A team competing in a dragon boat race