We're excited to announce that JJS Gas & Heating will be joining the Dragon Boat Race on St Mary's Island on Sunday 26th May as part of the 'Tradies & Ladies' team.
Now in its 9th year, and the main event for the Medway Sunlight Rotary Club, the race will run throughout the day over a course of 250 Metres of Basin No 2 in Chatham Maritime, with the finish line at the Water Sports Centre.
JJS Gas & Heating will be part of a team of 16 people paddling (not forgetting the drum beater who sets the rowing rhythm!).
As participants, we've raised money for the club's charity through sponsored advertising, and the club will also raise funds for its chosen charities through raffle tickets which are £1 per ticket or £5 a book with great prizes.
This Year's Chosen Charities
This is a fantastic cause which has raised over £95,000 in the last eight years. We would love to see any of our friends, family and customers down at the event to cheer us on and help join in the fundraising. There will be a great atmosphere and plenty of food and drink available at the Food and Drink Festival. Your participation will help to raise funds for this year's amazing charities:
The Oliver Fisher Special Baby Care Trust
More About Dragon Boat Racing
Originating in ancient China over 2,000 years ago, the Dragon Boat Race has risen in popularity across the globe, including the United Kingdom.
The roots of Dragon Boat Racing can be traced back to the legend of Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet and statesman from ancient China's Chu kingdom. According to folklore, Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River in protest against government corruption. The locals, deeply moved by his sacrifice, raced out in their boats to rescue him, beating drums and splashing paddles to scare away evil spirits and fish. This legend is believed to be the origin of the Dragon Boat Festival, commemorated annually with dragon boat races.
Over the centuries, the Dragon Boat Festival evolved from a solemn remembrance of Qu Yuan into a celebration of Chinese culture which over the years has become a global event that people from all over can enjoy.
In the UK, the history of Dragon Boat Racing can be traced back to the 1980s when the sport gained traction as a recreational activity and a means of team building. Inspired by the excitement of international competitions, enthusiasts in the UK began organising their own races, blending the ancient tradition with a modern twist.
The first official Dragon Boat Race in the UK took place in 1989 on the River Thames in London, marking the beginning of a new era for the sport in the country. Since then, Dragon Boat Racing has flourished, with races held in various cities and towns across the UK, from Bristol to Belfast, Cardiff to Cambridge.
Celebrating Team Spirit
What we love about the Dragon Boat Race on St Mary's Island is that it's more than just a race; it's a test of teamwork, strength, and endurance. Each boat, featuring a dragon's head and tail, accommodates a team of paddlers, a drummer, and a steersperson, and watching the race is great activity for spectators of all ages.
Dragon Boat Racing promotes inclusivity and community engagement- whether you're a seasoned athlete or a novice paddler, there's a place for everyone in the dragon boat community. We certainly aren't professional rowers but we're so thrilled to be able to take part this year in this local event which supports so many brilliant charities. The camaraderie forged through training sessions and race days fosters friendships and strengthens bonds, enriching the social fabric of communities across the UK.
Who's in Our Boat?
Our good friends and fellow tradies will be joining us:
- Rickie at Pintail Joinery & Installations - Fully qualified carpenter specialising in floors, doors, kitchen fitting, fitted wardrobes, bespoke projects, partition walls, decking, sheds, plus more.
- Toby from S.M.I.L.E Electrical - providing quality electrical services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients.
- Steve at A.Osborne Electrical - based in Medway, providing a full range of residential, commercial and industrial services throughout the South-East.
- The team at Decor8s Services Ltd - a versatile property maintenance business serving Kent, London and Essex.
Will we be seeing you at the race? Let us know if you're joining! And as always, don't hesitate to contact us at JJS Gas and Heating for expert advice and guidance on heating your home.
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