DECATUR-Approximately fifty teams and more than 1,200 paddlers will make waves in Decatur the second Saturday in May when the Dragon Boat Race and Festival returns for the ninth year. A fundraiser for the Decatur Morgan Hospital Foundation, the family-friendly event is set for May 14, 2022, with opening ceremonies at 8:30 a.m. and competition on the water getting underway at 9 a.m. Presented by Toray Carbon Fibers, the daylong event takes place at the Point Mallard Aquatic Center.
The Dragon Boat Race kicks off with an exciting opening ceremony that garners everyone’s attention. At 8:30 a.m., the Daikin Taiko Drummers puts on an exhilarating performance followed by the ancient ritual called “Awakening the Dragon” where the eyes of the dragon head are dotted as a symbol to awaken the spirit of the dragons. Racing starts at 9 a.m. and events last throughout the day until approximately 4 p.m., rain or shine.
As crews compete, spectators may watch the 46-foot colorful fleets racing to the beat of Chinese drums from the beach area of the Point Mallard Aquatic Center or from the water at a safe distance from the race course.
In addition to the action in the water, the waterpark will be filled with tailgate tents, music, concessions, cultural activities and other family fun. Aquatic Center pools and rides will be closed during the event.
Admission is free and a limited amount of free parking is available inside Point Mallard Park. Donations will be
accepted at the event with proceeds benefiting the Decatur Morgan Hospital Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization. Money raised from this year’s event will help fund the hospital’s second da Vinci® Robotic Surgical System for Decatur Morgan Hospital. The surgical robot allows surgeons to perform complex surgical procedures with precision and accuracy. Recovery and healing time is a remarkable improvement over conventional surgery.
The Dragon Boat Race and Festival is a unique cultural event featuring adrenaline-pumping action while serving as a fundraiser for the Decatur Morgan Hospital Foundation. Teams, comprised of 20 paddlers, a drummer and a trained dragon boat steerer/coach, will race in authentic 46-foot long Hong Kong style dragon boats. Teams may have four alternates, for a total of 25 team members, or can race with a minimum of 16. There must be at least eight female paddlers and minimum age for adult teams is 15 with parental consent. All skill levels and physiques can participate, making it the ultimate team building sport, requiring synchronicity and finesse, more than power to win. Each team is guaranteed at least two races on the 250-meter race course with winners advancing to the finals. Team registration information is available at www.decaturmorganfoundation.
The festival made its debut in Decatur in 2012 with 53 teams competing for medals and bragging rights, and to date, more than $1 million has been raised.
Media Release/Danielle Gibson, President & CEO
Decatur Morgan County Tourism, Inc.
