Express & Star

Dragon boats make quite a splash at Himley Park

An annual dragon boat extravaganza celebrated its 16th anniversary with twenty-four teams taking part in the colourful race.

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Thousands arrived at Himley Park, just outside of Dudley, yesterday (SUN) to see participants from across the Black Country take to the challenge on the Great Pool.

The event, which is organised by Wolverhampton Rotary Club, has raised almost £320,000 over the years.

It involves a 350 yard race with teams competing in various heats throughout the day.

Richard Green, district governor of Wolverhampton Rotary Club, explained how the event was about having fun along with raising money for great causes.

He said: "The weather has stayed perfect for us and so far it has gone incredibly well.

"It takes us a lot of preparation for all to stage this event and plans begin about two months after it finishes each year.

"But to see so many people take part and raise money for us and many other causes is fantastic."

Each team undertook three runs of the course and the heats were followed by two finals with six boats in each.

Each crew member is asked to raise £50 with half of the money going to their chosen charity and half to those selected by the rotary club.

Peter Hand, secretary, added: "When this first started 16 years ago one of our Rotarians suggested that holding a dragon boat event would be a good idea, and since then it has grown and grown.

"We have 24 entrants this year and in excess of 3,000 people always come out."

Competitors included Thompsons Solictors who were raising cash for Breast Friends cancer charity and Sedgley Scorpions who were fundraising for their football team.

Wolverhampton based Zebra Uno, who work alongside the deaf community, took part in the race with their leader using sign language as a guide.

Mr Hand added: "We have some extremely generous people who donate their time and effort to us.

"It brings lots of pleasure and is a win win situation for all."

Representatives from West Midlands Fire Service and the Greyhounds Trust were also present during the day along with a selection of other stalls.

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