Dragonboat racing will happen in Nanaimo this summer for a single-day event.
V.I. Paddling and the Nanaimo Downtown Business Association have partnered with central Island dragonboat teams to host a one-day regatta July 13 in Maffeo Sutton Park.
“The dragonboat regatta brings with it a vibrance to downtown Nanaimo,” said Roberta Bowman, the business association’s executive director, in a press release. “As paddles carve through the water, and teams unite in spirited competition, we witness the essence of teamwork and camaraderie which defines our city.”
Nanaimo’s Maffeo Sutton Park has traditionally hosted a two-day festival the second weekend of July with 500-metre racing that has attracted teams from around the Island and the mainland. After the festival was moved to Victoria this year, local teams, with support from V.I. Paddling, decided to find a way to keep the tradition alive.
This summer’s event will feature 200-metre races in 20-paddler international race standard boats. Teams will race for glory and medals.
“The outpouring of support from the community has been tremendous – three months is a really short period of time to plan a major dragonboat race,” said Tom Arnold, V.I. Paddling president, in the release.
He said Nanaimo’s Angels Abreast breast cancer survivors’ team is a driving force behind the regatta, and the event will retain its traditions of a survivors’ challenge race and a carnation ceremony.
“The annual dragonboat event in Nanaimo is more than a race, it’s a showcase event for breast cancer survivor teams who come together through this sport for fellowship and support,” he said.
Crimson Coast Dance Society will provide live dance performances, cultural displays, and entertainment. Money raised at the event will support the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital oncology department.
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