Celebrating 25 Years of ACT – The 2023 Boat Race Event

The ACT Silver Dragons were a display of enthusiasm and fervour. 

ORIGIN

What does a fearsome, fire-breathing creature, a drum, and the river Thames have in common? This is not a priest, a rabbi, and a minister joke but the essential elements in the fabulous sport of Dragon Boat Racing.

Dragon Boat Racing began more than 2,000 years ago in the river valleys of southern China. It was originally a fertility ritual thought to bring good luck for the coming crop season. During one of these festivals, legend has it that the great warrior Qu Yuan threw himself into the river to protest rife political corruption during the period. The local people loved Qu Yuan and wanted to save him, so they raced out in their fishing boats. As they paddled, they beat on drums and splashed their oars in the water to ward off the dragons that were believed to live in the river.

The Rotary Club of Kingston Dragon Boat race is now in its 13th year, with its first event being in 2009 in which just 18 teams took part. It has now grown and this year 39 teams, including the ACT team (The Silver Dragons), all raising funds in aid of different charities.

A GREAT DAY OUT

With music; food vendors; market stalls displaying all kinds of crafts; and tents set up for many charitable foundations in attendance, the atmosphere of the dragon boat race at Canterbury Gardens was lively, despite the chilly weather. It was heartwarming to see and meet with numerous people from all walks of life. Some of the rowing teams were contenders for the best

dressed prize and boasted creative names such as: ‘Boaty Mcboatface’, ‘Dragons without Borders’, and the ‘Agatha Crispies’. The 20 members who made up the ACT ‘Silver Dragons’ team were also eager to do their bit to raise funds for the children and widows we support in the 8 African countries where we work.

TEAM ACT

In this adrenaline-fuelled water sport, teams compete in boats, shaped like a large canoe, with beautifully carved ornate dragons’ heads and tails. Teams of rowers sit in pairs and paddle hard, while the team’s drummer beats to keep everyone in the same rhythm. (Although, writing from experience, not everyone keeps in rhythm – which just adds to the fun!). It was a thrilling feeling, being on the water and keeping an eye on the other teams while urging the silver dragons to move as a unit.

Dragon Boat Racing is almost as exhilarating to watch too! Spectators along the banks of the river shout and cheer to encourage their favourite team to paddle even harder. Across the River Thames at Kingston, the many rowers on the ACT team, both experienced and inexperienced, sped fast and were steadfast, improving after every race over the illustrious 200m course. They enjoyed the challenge and most refused to be substituted for subsequent races.

The Kingston Dragon Boat Race provided an opportunity for many people to kindle their enthusiasm and help others by raising money to support good causes such as ACT. They were proof that in the race of life, finishing well and helping others in the process is all that matters.

IT’S TIME TO ACT!

To mark our 25th anniversary, we are aiming to raise £50,000 to provide education and welfare support for 250 disadvantaged children and orphans across the countries where we work in Africa. We want them to reach their potential in life and give them and their families hope for a

better future. With your support, the entire family (mothers / carers and siblings) and their community benefit. Please click here to make a donation.