Call to oars for Shrewsbury Dragon Boat Festival
Colourful dragon boats will be taking to the waters in Shrewsbury to raise money for charity.
Severn Hospice is calling teams of budding oarsmen and women from across the country to sign up for its annual Dragon Boat Festival. The annual boat race offers a unique opportunity to race 40ft dragon boats along the River Severn in Shrewsbury, as teams compete for the title of Dragon Boat Champions.
The race takes place on July 3 and 33 teams from across the region will enjoy a fun filled day on the river whilst raising thousands of pounds to support the local hospice.
Starting from Shrewsbury School Boat Club each team will compete in two heats, those with the quickest times will go through to the semi-finals before six teams battle it out in the grand final to be crowned Dragon Boat Champions 2016.
Elodie Home, fundraising events manager at Severn Hospice, said: "Our Dragon Boat Festival is a really exciting event. It's been part of our events calendar for many years and raises tens of thousands of pounds to support our specialist teams providing care across Shropshire and Mid Wales.
"Registration for the 2016 Dragon Boat Festival is now open and we are expecting places to be snapped up quickly. Anyone thinking of entering a team in this year's race will need to be quick off the mark to ensure they secure a place.
"There is always a fantastic atmosphere at our Dragon Boat Festival as hundreds of spectators join us to watch the teams race along the river.
"Our mission at Severn Hospice is to provide the best possible care and a better life for people living with an incurable illness, and those closest to them. By taking part in our events, and raising as much sponsor money as possible, you are enabling our hospice to be there for the next family that needs our help."
Registration for the Dragon Boat Festival is £250 per team and each team taking part will need to raise a minimum of £1,000 in sponsorship.
For more information, or to register online for this years race, go to www.severnhospice.org.uk. Alternatively call the fundraising team on 01952 221 351 or email events@severnhospice.org.uk.
