2011 Year End Party!
Come join us on Friday, October 21 for our annual year end party! Eat, drink, reminisce about good times, and try out your halloween costume! More details can be found here.
EDBRC attends the 5th Annual Canadian Dragon Boat Championships
Last weekend, the Edmonton Dragon Boat Racing Club was proud to send three crews to compete in Welland, ON, for the 5th Annual Canadian Dragon Boat Championships. It was a weekend of hard work and intense competition, giving the EDBRC the opportunity to prove itself as one of the strongest dragon boat clubs in the country.
For thoughts from one of our members as well as race results and videos of our teams' performances, simply click below to keep reading.
Here is what one of our members had to say about the experience:
The paddling was nothing short of spectacular this weekend. EDBRC stood tall against some of the strongest teams to have ever thrown their hats in the ring and, again, I'm proud to be a part of one of the greatest dragon boat clubs in the country.
Regardless of our performance in any race the support is something that will remain constant in our club. EDBRC's heart and effort were in abundance this weekend and we can walk away from this weekend with our heads held high for that reason alone.
The EDBRC Women, Mixed, and Open wouldn't have made it this weekend were it not for the support of the club as a collective. I definitely owe thanks to all of the teams, paddlers, volunteers, and support crew that make our club work. I hope our performance at the National Championships will in turn inspire them to push our great sport to new heights.
GO EDBRC!
--Nathan Muhly
Race Results
For Dragon Boat Canada's pdf summary of all the races, click here.
Race Videos
Race 3: Premier Mixed Heat - EDBRC Mixed in lane 4 - Youtube
Race 35: Premier Mixed Final D - EDBRC Mixed in lane 4 - Youtube
Race 46: Premier Open Semi Final - Youtube
Race 76: Premier Mixed Semi Final - Youtube
The 4th Annual Leduc Dragon Boat Festival is all wrapped up
The EDBRC was proud to bring the 4th Annual Leduc Dragon Boat Festival to beautiful Telford Lake, nestled in the heart of Leduc County, on June 19, 2011. It was our fourth year in support of the Black Gold Health Foundation, and this year we were also joined by the Edmonton and Area Corporate Challenge Games, whose participants competed alongside those of the LDBF. Despite the rain, it was a day of competitive spirit, team-building, and family fun.
Thanks to all our volunteers that helped put on a great Leduc Dragon Boat Festival this past weekend! We've probably never operated with that much rain before but your contagious enthusiasm could be felt among participants and organizers alike!
To find out more about race results, event photos, and reactions to the festival, simply click below to continue reading.
Race Results
Information on how to access the race results for both the 4th Annual Leduc Dragon Boat Festival and Corporate Challenge 2011 can be found on the LDBF website.
Finishline photos of the closest races can be found on our Facebook page.
Participant Reactions
We've been hearing great things about this years festival. Here's what some people were kind enough to say:
First of all, thanks again for a wonderful experience. Despite the rain,
it was a day full of laughs and comraderie and most importantly, wellness!
Please relay my thanks to the organizers of the Dragon Boat festival. I've
never seen a more upbeat, cheery bunch of people. Despite the wet, often
chilly conditions, they were enthusiastic, funny and encouraging to every
team. It was a great first experience!--Elk Island Public Schools
There's still more of these to come! We'll be sure to keep this post updated with the latest reactions from this year's festival.
Leduc Dragon Boat Festival 2010 - Beaumont News
Dragon boats returning to Telford Lake for annual event July 17 and 18
Source: Kate Hamilton, Beaumont News
Beating drums, brightly coloured boats and cheering crowds along the shores of Telford Lake can only mean one thing – the return of the Leduc Dragon Boat Festival.
The third annual event is scheduled to hit the water July 17 and 18.
The festival, hosted by the Edmonton Dragon Boat racing Club (EDBRC), will commence with an opening ceremony, which will include a Buddist monk blessing.
"It's a tradition that we have called 'Awakening the Dragon'," said Larry Chai, EDBRC sport co-ordinator. "Using brushes, they'll dot the eyes for each of the dragon boats, and that signifies the beginning of our festival."
Since the inaugural festival in 2008, the festival has been growing every year. Chai said 40 teams are expected to participate this year.
Dragon boating, which originated in China, involves a crew of 20 paddling in time with the beat of a drum.
Individuals, groups and complete teams are invited to participate in this year's festival. All coaching, paddles, equipment and support is provided and no experience is necessary.
"Dragon boat racing is one of the most social sports you'll ever come across," said Chai. "As a spectator, you're definitely going to have a good time."
For those who'd rather cheer from the shore than row, admission is free and food vendors and entertainment will be on site to ensure a fantastic mid-summer weekend event.
The proceeds from the event are donated to the Black Gold Health Foundation (BGHF), an organization whose aim is to raise funds for Leduc Community Hospital to support new technology, specialized equipment and innovative programs to ensure the best medical care for residents of Leduc and area.
"The EDBRC approached us and wanted to host an event in Leduc at Telford Lake because of the wonderful venue that it is," said Lorraine Popik, BGHF executive director. "We became the main charity and proceeds from the event go to the hospital."
In previous years, proceeds have exceeded $2,000, and profits are increasing with each annual festival.
Popik said this year's proceeds haven't yet been designated for a particular project but that the BGHF has a wish list, which includes a portable ultrasound accessory packaged (valued at $23,000) and AED machines for seven locations within the hospital (valued at $2,800 a pop).
The BGHF takes part in several other fundraisers throughout the year and just held their 18th Annual Charity Golf Classic, which saw 142 golfers raise over $30,000.
Currently the foundation has a raffle with the potential to raise another $9,000. Tickets will be available for $2 at the Vendors Village at the festival.
The Vendor's Village is a new addition to the Dragon Boat Festival and will promote fun and games in conjunction with the races.
"I would encourage people to contact us if they're interested in participating . . . or just come down to see the festival," said Chai. "It's definitely something to see in person."
For more information see www.dragonboatalberta.ca/leduc.