Contributed by Surash Raman Mukundan, Secretary-General, Singapore Dragon Boat Association
The tragedy that struck the Singapore National Dragon Boat Team in Cambodia last November is the reason for the Corporate Dragon Boat Relay 2008: Show of Faith.
This unique relay, a special event initiated by corporate affiliates, will kick off the Singapore Dragon Boat Association's (SDBA) events calendar for the year.
"We hope that through this event, we can raise the public awareness that dragon boating is a safe sport, especially so in Singapore. This is also the first time that corporate organizations, who normally view each other as competitors on the water, are coming together to show our concerted support to the sport that we are all so passionate about," said Mr Adrian Tan, spokesperson for the corporate organizing committee and co-captain of Shell's dragon boat team.
"Funds raised from the participation fees and corporate sponsorships will be used to upgrade, renew and maintain the facilities at the Kallang Water Sports Centre. This is how we think is best to give back to the sporting community that we have gained so much from," Mr Tan added.
An estimated 500 paddlers from corporate teams will participate on February 23, with the common goal of paddling the maximum distance possible within 3 hours in this first-of-its-kind relay, which will raise an estimated $12,500 from the participation fees alone. Corporate sponsorships and donations are also being sought to boost the total funds raised.
"The relay will be truly ‘inter-corporate' as paddlers from different corporate teams will paddle together to achieve the best possible result. We even designed a corporate logo to symbolize all the corporate teams banding together with a common goal!" exclaimed Ms Miia Lankinen, captain of Standard Chartered Bank's dragon boat team.
There are an estimated 6000 paddlers in Singapore, 9% comprising corporate paddlers. The 25th Singapore River Regatta 2007 saw a record of 399 participating teams.
Paddlers with no experience are also welcome to paddle alongside with seasoned paddlers, so more people will come to know what dragon boating is about, and that it is a safe sport.
"Dragon boating has been gaining in popularity over the past few years and is notable for its strong corporate involvement and support, because it promotes teamwork and camaraderie," said RADM (RET) Kwek Siew Jin, President (SDBA).
"We appreciate the corporate' initiative in organizing this event, and are committed to disbursing the funds towards enhancing the facility at the Kallang Water Sports Centre this year," RADM (RET) Kwek added.
Interested corporate teams and individuals can obtain the registration form online from www.sdba.org.sg. Registration fees are $25.00 per person, inclusive of a commemorative event cap. Registration ends 4th February 2008, Monday.
You can submit the forms to to Isaac or Ching Li by February 20, 2008.
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: February 23, 2008
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Venue: Marina Reservoir
Meeting Point: Kallang Riverside Park
MECHANICS OF RELAY:
Teams will paddle 2.4 from the Kallang Riverside Park towards Cosy Bay before making a U-turn and passing the baton to the next set of dragon boat teams. This 2.4 km loop will be repeated as many times as possible, during the 3 hours.
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