Hannah DixYork Rotary Club will be holding its Dragon Boat Challenge on the River Ouse on Sunday 8 July. This is an important event as it will be a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the challenge for the club, with the first being held in 2003. It also coincides with York’s 800th Birthday celebrations.
The event has been held annually since it first began and has raised over £600,000 for a range of deserving charities. This year sees the race raise money for Brunswick Organic Nursery and Craft Workshop, which is a productive workplace for adults with learning difficulties and York’s Blind and Partially Sighted Society. Each team will also raise its own sponsorship, with a third of the money going to a charity of the teams’ choice.
The race will take place on a selected part of the river, with the South bank being open for team’s family and friends. Creating its usual Gala day atmosphere the North Bank will be open with a variety of stalls and activities for spectators.
Teams are asked to distinguish themselves from the rest by adopting a team outfit, which should be in relation to an event in York’s history. With around 36 teams competing the day will be entertaining for all ages.
Also if you wish to take part, York Mind is currently recruiting volunteers to be part of their boat team on the day.
‘To join the team, which will be known as “The Minders” we simply ask for a commitment to raise at least £50 per rower in sponsorship, 2/3rd of which will be donated to York Mind to support their work with people in the York area experiencing mental ill-health.’ For more information and to join the team please call Pete Gorbert or Ian Savage on 01904 643364, or email peter.gorbert@yorkmind.org.uk
