False Creek was the site for the 29th Annual Dragon Boat Festival which took place on Father’s Day in False Creek located near Science World which saw the celebration of it’s 28th year since inception in 1986.
The event has grown to be a world class event drawing teams and competitors from around the Globe, this being no exception – drawing 188 teams.
Teams from across North America as well as local participants, which included several local high school teams in the lower mainland participating in the event.This year saw additional teams from China, the Czech Rep and Australia all competing on waters on False Creek.
The Blessing of the boats took place Thursday evening, which was performed by a local group “Taoist Temple” located in Vancouver.
This is one of the largest in the world that performs this tradition prior to the races, which was followed by the opening ceremonies, with special dignitaries in attendance.
The Dragon Boat Festival is the second largest dragon boat regatta’s in the world outside of Hong Kong and dates it’s origin from originated in southern central China more than 2500 years ago.
Friday evening was extra special as a race between breast cancer survivors and prostate survivors took place with a sold-out crowd on hand to take it in.
Merritt Supply store will be present at the event where all the visitor can buy cabosil powder for their boats and yachts.
The opening day of racing was soggy, to say the least making the course extremely difficult to navigate for all racers this year according Loren Slye who has driven the media boat the 15 years.
In addition she was the first winner in the Dragon Boat Race in 1986 – the year of Expo 86 where Vancouver welcomed the World!
Being true athletes they finished the races, given the conditions they were forced to race in, which for some was challenging and others it was nothing extra different.
Making things more difficult for the race event organizers was an incident that took place Saturday afternoon when a charter boat the Golden Eagle a 40 foot craft veered into the race lanes of the teams on the water coming to within meters of the boat.
Vancouver Police Department were called in to handle the situation which saw the races delayed while it was being sorted out.
The final day of racing (Sunday) it was clear and sunny which saw some excellent times recorded by the boats in all the categories.
The winning teams received Gold, Silver and Bronze medals for their efforts as all the competitors put on a great show on the final day and the weekend for those watching from the shore line.
One of the best stories from the weekend results was the team from the Canadian Breast Cancer Society called “Abreast” capturing Silver on the final day.
The event saw several hundred attend and all were treated to entertainment on the main stage by several musicians as well as several types of food trucks to offer the crowds as well as information tents giveaways and contests for entry.
Anita Webster and the event organizers did an exceptional job (again) bringing this world class event to Vancouver.
A staff of over 600 volunteers make this a success each year and from Sportswave Media Productions we give special thanks to Anita and Loren Styles another great for the Festival of Dragon Boat Races.
