Dragon Boat Race 2006, Newcastle upon Tyne, Newburn Leisure Centre, September 17, 12 noon – 4pm
| Dragon Boat Facts | Dragon boating dates back thousands of years and involves crews with a drummer racing in 40ft long boats.
The modern version of dragon boating was developed in Hong Kong in the 1970's and was first established in the UK in 1987.
Today there are said to be around 30,000 participants in the UK, with 50 million worldwide. |
Last year, over 200 people took part in the first ever Newcastle upon Tyne Dragon Boat Race. An extra 1000 or more landlubbers joined in with the festivities which included Chinese dance, martial arts and music. This year the event promises to be bigger and better than ever. A special feature of this year's race are the dragon boat figure-heads carved by three Chinese craftsmen, Yan Mei Huang, Wei Wang the acclaimed artist Dr. Chun-Chao Chiu. Organised by the award winning Chinese Arts Association, the event promises to be a fun filled day of sport, music and dance on the banks of the Tyne at the scenic Newburn riverside.
 | | Creating a Dragon Boat head |
This year, members of the public are invited to take part in the Chinese Dragon Boat race. No previous experience is required, just plenty of fun and spirit. Enjoy the sport of Emperors Dragon Boat racing is an ancient Chinese tradition to honour the loyalty of a senior officer who gave up his life to advise the emperor. Today it’s one of the most popular water sports in Britain. A Dragon Boat crew may have up to 20 rowers plus a drummer at the front beating the rhythm and speed. A helm sits at the tail, steering a straight course. For the 2006 Festival at Newburn, the Dragon Boats will hold a crew of 10 people each.
Christine Lawler, of the Chinese Arts Association said of this exciting event: "We would prefer as many teams as possible, it will add to the whole atmosphere of the day! “Each team will race 250m along the river, three times. Newburn Leisure Centre is providing boats for us along with marshals, and a safety boat and driver. St John's Ambulance will also be present to ensure participants safety. Each participant will be equipped with buoyancy aids. Rules and Criteria Crews comprise of 8-10 paddlers plus a drumming squad. The crew can be mixed, all female or all male, and organisations can enter more than one crew. The minimum age for a crew member is 12 years old. All crew members must be competent swimmers, and able to swim in light clothing in moving water. Newburn Leisure Centre is an approved operator of the British Dragon Boat Racing Association (BDA) and the festival will be run under BDA rules and holds a BDA permit.
 | | Enjoy a Chinese style family fun day |
Newburn Leisure Centre is providing two free training sessions to provide you with the skills needed for paddling, as well as safety equipment and buoyancy aids. All crews accepted for entry must abide with the competition rules of the BDA (see entry form for details). Entry includes: - 2 (non-compulsory) training sessions on Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 September between 5 –and 7pm.
- Hire of a Dragon Boat
- Qualified helms and all racing equipment
- At least 2 races per crew
- Medals for participants plus trophies for the winning crews
- Insurance
Entry forms are available from: The Chinese Arts Association
Unit 9
St Thomas Street Business Centre
St Thomas Street
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4LE
Tel: 0191 221 2870 Family Fun Day For those not old enough to enter, and for spectators, there will be plenty for all the family to get involved including: Origami, paper cutting and other crafts, Kung Fu and other oriental inspired workshops. PS: Fingers crossed for good fortune and good weather – so bring a picnic and make a day of it! Where's the Boat Race?
 | | Dragon Boat Fun |
Newcastle upon Tyne Dragon Boat Race 2006
Newburn Leisure Centre
Grange Road
Newburn
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE15 8ND Sunday 17 September 2006
12 noon – 4pm The Chinese Arts Association is supported by the Arts Council England, Newcastle City Council and Newburn Leisure Centre. | 
