Name: Ergon Energy Fraser Coast Dragon Boat Regatta
Address: C/- Hervey Bay Dragon Boat Club Inc
Telephone: 0418 715 400 - Greg
Contact Email: herveybaydragonboatclub@gmail.com
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Ergon Energy Fraser Coast Dragon Boat Regatta
The event promises to be full of colour and sound with the drums setting the rhythm of the strokes.
March 2010 marks the return of the dragon boats to Hervey Bay, courtesy of three clubs generously donating their time, equipment and effort to ensure the first Dragon Boat regatta held in Hervey Bay is a success.
MAKE A SPLASH FOR A GOOD CAUSE
What do dragons, Newfoundlanders and life jackets have in common?
Well, apparently, they can all rescue you from drowning. Set to whip the Fraser Coast foreshore into a frenzy, the INAUGURAL FRASER COAST DRAGON BOAT REGATTA is sure to be an awe-inspiring experience you won't forget. While there'll be no actual water rescues taking place, the festival will give spectators a taste of a 2000 year-old Oriental tradition, tracing its roots back to carved wooden boats serving as rescue vessels, pulling out struggling swimmers or passengers of capsized crafts and rowing them to safety.
The free event, which showcases part of this age old Chinese ceremony, will see a fleet of 'Dragon Boats' racing along the water to the beat of the Asian drum. Word has it that the dragon actually lives in the water, think Leviathan, but this weekend we'll get a rare glimpse of the scaly creature gliding across the surface. In addition to the fun and games, proceeds from the festival will be going to the Australian Leukemia Foundation. 2007 Miss Universe Australia and long-time leukemia foundation supporter, Kimberley Busteed is lending her support to the event as Regatta Patron. Ms Busteed says she has a personal appreciation of the foundation's research: "(it) was such a blessing for our family." She adds that attending events like this regatta is a great way to show your support for Leukemia Research.
The opening of the event will feature an ancient Eastern painting ritual. After the launch, the fleet will be off into the water and the race is on. With twelve teams and twenty oarmen in each boat, complemented by authentic asian drumming on the bow, it's set to be a cultural explosion of festivities. The festival is set to strengthen ties with Hervey Bay's Chinese Sister City, Leshan, and with experienced dragon boat aficionados flying in from interstate, this will be a formidable cultural and sporting experience.
Will these 'dragons' be the fire-breathing, smoke-snorting kind? Well you'll have to come along to find out. We can assure you however that this is an event for all ages, so be sure to bring the littlies. Dragon boating is enjoying tremendous success in other parts of the world, including annual events in New Zealand and Canada, as well as various states in Australia and is quickly evolving into a popular competitive sport.
Come and enjoy this inaugral fun filled spectacular on the pristine waterways of Hervey Bay beachfront.
Ms Kimberley Busteed - Ms Universe Australia 2007 - Event Patron - Fundraiser for the Leukemia Foundation
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