INDIANAPOLIS – The White River Alliance, the premier organization for regional water resource protection in Indiana, and Indy SurviveOars, Indiana’s only breast cancer survivor dragon boat team, are teaming up to host the second annual White River Dragon Boat Races on Saturday, Sept. 28 at White River State Park. Opening ceremonies begin at 8 a.m. and races conclude around 4 p.m.
A community-wide competition, the Dragon Boat Races will feature live racing with 46-foot long dragon boats. Dragon boat racing originated over 2,000 years ago in China, and its popularity has been growing in the West since the 1970s. The sport emphasizes teamwork, as it takes a team of 22 people to power the massive vessel. Paddling has also become popular for women recovering from breast cancer, with survivor teams all around the world.
The event concludes the White River Festival, a series of events hosted by many partner organizations, coordinated by the White River Alliance. More than 20 teams, representing corporations, cities, and groups of friends, are already registered for the races. The event schedule includes interactive opening ceremonies, several rounds of sprint races, an awards ceremony, and a celebratory concert with Indy Convergence. Awards will be given to first, second, and third place racing teams as well as recognition of outstanding team spirit, individual fundraising accolades, and river stewardship efforts. More information available at www.WhiteRiverDragonBoats.org.
