By Staff
NILES - Dragon Boat racing began in China more than 2,000 years ago. Legend has it that Qu Yuan, a Chinese poet and scholar in the fourth century BC, took such umbrage to the corruption within the Chu Dynasty he flung himself into the Mi Lo River. Qu Yuan was very beloved by the people, and local fisherman paddled furiously from shore to try to save him. To prevent his body from being eaten by the fish and to appease the river dragons, the fishermen scattered rice dumplings into the water. They couldn't save Qu Yuan, but this attempt to save Qu Yuan is re-acted in the form of dragon boat racing every year.
The sport of dragon boat racing has really taken off. Dragon boat racing is one of the fastest growing water sports in the world.
The boats themselves measure nearly 18 meters, and have a unique concave design originating from Chinese fishing vessels thousands of years ago. They are decorated with multi-colored fierce dragonheads, scaly bodies and elaborate tails.
A friendly, easy to learn activity that appeals to both young and old alike, dragon boating is a great team building and family sport. And it's a sport open to men and women (mixed crews required) over the age of 14 of any level of ability.
A 'crew' consists of 18 paddlers, a drummer, and a trained steer-person (provided). Teams race along a straight course in an assigned lane varying from 250 to 1,000 meters with an average time of three to six minutes.
The object is to have all 18 paddlers working together at top speed with well-timed strokes of the blade hitting the water as horizontally as possible. The goal is to generate enough speed to cause the boat to rise high and smooth above the water by a cresting wave beneath the bow.
The benefits of racing will become immediately apparent; from the health perspective to the camaraderie and spirit the sport invokes.
It's a great excuse to get fit and to have fun with your friends on the water.
Join the fun… get your friends, family and co-workers, together and participate in one of the fastest growing water sports in the world.
The Niles Dragon Boat Challenge festivities will kick off with the Awakening of the Dragon ceremony on Friday Aug. 5, at 6 p.m.
This Chinese ritual will include dotting the eyes of the dragon's head on each boat and is intended to cleanse and bless the area of the competition, as well as the competitors and their boats.
Immediately following the Awakening of the Dragon ceremony, all participants in the Dragon Boat Challenge will be given the opportunity to practice and test their skills.
For more information, or if you are interested in forming a team for next year, call Lisa Croteau at (269) 687-4332. Individuals interested in participating may inquire to see if any teams need additional paddlers.
The 2005 Race is run by the Niles Octagon Club-/JOOI, sponsored by Niles Vision Clinic &Coldwell Banker RE Specialists.