Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival June 19 - 21 2009 Concord Pacific Place Vancouver

One of the sure signs of summer in Vancouver is the holding of two major events - the Dragon Boat Races and 24 Hr Relay for Kids.

While I have done the 24 relay in previous years and sponsor one of the runners each year I have become attached to the Dragon Boat Races held on nearby False Creek - this event attractions large number of participants - over 100 teams and approx 20 per boat + backup and supporters and it is not hard to see how the organizers come up with a figure of over 5000 people.

There are two parts to the event - the Festival which is the public part - music, food, merchandise mart and the Races which is where I get involved.

Having done this event before I worked on Friday - helping to prepare the boats, and load and unload some of the visiting teams who wanted some practice time in advance of today's first round.

This event uses two types of boats - BUK and Gemini - don't ask me the difference I couldn't tell you.

On race day up to eight boats will take part in each race - alternating between the two types of boats - this event attracts all ages - from juniors to geriatrics - special needs - there are teams composed of vision impaired, mentally challenged and a special MS team who will paddle tomorrow.

I worked the early shift from the start to 1:30PM and will do the same tomorrow.

For our efforts we get a nice tech T-Shirt - lunch and pop and water + a windup BBQ next week.






These images are from my Blackberry - as it is too awkward to have my camera down on the docks.

This volunteer work has also brought me out of my shell which I alluded to in the last posts.

Tomorrow - another day of work on the docks and then a couple of Father's Day BBQ's to consider.

Cheers

D