A record number of 56 teams, involving approximately 1,100 people, have signed up for the 2009 Condor Ferries Dragon Boat Races, in aid of Jersey Hospice Care.
The event, which takes place on Saturday 19th September 2009 at the Albert Pier from 10am, is now set to be the biggest yet and will raise thousands of pounds.
This year’s teams are a mixture of businesses, organisations and groups from across the island, with a good mix of regulars, such as Bedell Group and the Water Polo Team as well as some new comers, including La Moye Primary School and Jersey Airport.
Last year's event raised more than £30,000 for Jersey Hospice Care which provides specialist palliative nursing and holistic care, free of charge, for patients with cancer and motor neurone disease. Over the past 10 years, the event has raised more than £250,000.
The annual event, is kindly sponsored by Condor Ferries and supported by RBS International, which allows a group of employees to donate their time to plan, organise and run the event.
‘This is the second time that RBS International has helped to organise this unique event and it is something we’re very proud to be involved with. Last year’s event was the largest one-day Dragon Boat Racing event in Europe and we’re hoping that this year will be bigger and better than ever,’ said Group Co-ordinator and RBS International’s Internal Communications and Community Investment Manager, Linzi Duckworth.
There are lots of events and activities planned to keep the teams, friends and families entertained when not watching the races, including a martial arts display from Jersey Aikido, performances from a Chinese dragon and Royston South the balloon magician and music from the Les Quennevais Steel Drum Band and the Caledonian Pipe Band. There’ll also be various food and drink stalls for people to choose from.
‘Condor Ferries is delighted to be once again sponsoring this very popular community event. It raises vital money for Jersey Hospice Care which provides such an invaluable service to the island and we’re looking forward to watching the events and maybe even some of our staff taking part,’ said Condor Ferries’ Jersey Manager Steve Bailey.
The forthcoming event also coincides with 'International Talk like a Pirate Day' so many participants will be dressing up as pirates, among others, while racing against one another. The day time event will continue into the evening with a party atmosphere as bands Jamie Boylen, Beer Cats and Brave Yesterday, who performed at Jersey Live, and Channel 103’s Steph Kent keep weary competitors and spectators entertained.