DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL ~ TEAM SHOWBOAT ~ “UNDER THE BIG TOP”

 

YouTube promotional video for Ottawa‘s upcoming 20th annual Dragon Boat Festival – June 22-24, 2013, published on Jun 7, 2012 by CTVOttawaMorningLive – A dragon boat comes rowing down the street outside of the CTV Morning Live studio, so Jeff Hopper heads out to chat with them!

The Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival, now North America’s largest festival, began in 1994. Four years later, a charitable component was added to raise funds for local charities. To date, the Ottawa Dragon Boat Foundation has raised over $2.5 million for local charities.

For several years, under several different names, the members of Showboat have pledged and paddled in the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival.  Sponsored by the Chinatown BIA, Showboat, under the direction of Rick Martin, Kevin Reichstein, Mealanie St. Jean and Stephanie Mayer, consists of 20 paddlers, a few alternates, a steersperson and a drummer. This dynamic Dragon Boat team draws a lot of attention, year after year, as the whole day is spent in themed costumes – obviously this year’s theme is “Under The Big Top”.

​The vast majority of the teams attending the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival are there for competitive reasons, paddling in various heats in a quest for medals.  Chinatown’s Showboat concentrates on fundraising activities throughout the year to support charities that benefit from the Ottawa Dragon Boat Foundation.  So far this year Team Showboat has already raised $17,000 in fundraising events such as:

Karaoke Night

Zumba in the park  

Great Glebe Garage Sale 

VIP Gala Launch Party       

​Drawing from the immense talent that exists in the community, events at various venues around town and the generosity of many Showboat supporters, the team has raised considerable funds. Since 2005, the team raised $82,752.38.

For 2005 through 2007 and again in 2010, the team was recognized by the Ottawa Dragon Boat Race Festival through the Team Spirit Cup award.

I just had to include the following inspirational video I found on YouTube, “Must Watch Dragon Boat Clip!!!”, taken from various dragon boat events in Singapore.  This video was created to show that the sport, dragon boating, is not just about training hard to win, but to enjoy and embrace all the elements that it encompasses ~ Love ~ Pride ~ Unity ~

Dip, dip and swing your paddles

              Flashing with silver

              Follow the wild goose flight

            Dip, dip and swing…

Good luck Team Showboat!

PADDLES UP! EVERYONE – OTTAWA, CANADA DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

PADDLES UP FOR THE 2012 TIM HORTONS’

OTTAWA DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

The Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival is the largest festival of its kind in North America. It is a three day event held at Mooney’s Bay Park.

Admission is FREE and features non-stop racing, concerts, children’s area, cultural performances, local delicacies, artisans and fun shopping! It is a great destination in the heart of the Nations Capital and is an easy getaway for visitors from Ontario, Quebec and the United States.

THE 19TH ANNUAL OTTAWA DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL WILL TAKE PLACE ON JUNE 22-24, 2012

In partnership with the Ottawa Dragon Boat Foundation, paddlers raise funds through the Pledge Challenge for local charities. To join the Pledge Challenge, visit http://www.dragonboatfoundation.net.

The following is a YouTube video of the 2011 Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival –

I just had to include the following inspirational video I found on YouTube, “Must Watch Dragon Boat Clip!!!”, taken from various dragon boat events in Singapore.

This video was created to show that the sport, dragon boating, is not just about training hard to win, but to enjoy and embrace all the elements that it encompasses.

Three fun filled days for everyone – Have a great time – Best of luck to all participants – “WINNING PADDLE TAKES ALL!!!”

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