Local businesses are being invited to “unleash their inner dragon” and take part in the latest fundraiser for the Huddersfield-based Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice.
Fun, fundraising and team building is what the annual Dragon Boat Race at Pugneys Country Park in Wakefield is all about. This year it takes place on Saturday September 21.
The Dragon Boat Race sees teams of 16 paddlers (and a drummer to keep the rhythm) racing along a 250-metre course, cheered on by hundreds of spectators. Each team in the day-long event takes part in at least three races, with the fastest teams going through to semi-finals and finals.
Last year the event was won by a team from Huddersfield-based Crowther & Shaw Ltd (pictured below).
Teams are asked to raise £1,000 in sponsorship and on the day fundraising activities and are encouraged to bring friends and family along to join in the fun.
The event is free to attend for the general public, and there is plenty to entertain spectators on the shore with an onsite café, a Forget Me Not pop up shop, tombola and raffle plus a host of fundraising activities organised by the boat race teams.
There are trophies for the winners, best fancy dress, fastest race and most money raised by fundraising activities on the day.
Vicky Lough, the event organiser at Forget Me Not, said: “Our Dragon Boat Race is one of the biggest events in our calendar and many of the businesses who attend tell us it’s a highlight of the year for their staff.”
The annual event proved popular with businesses in 2023, with 27 boats raising over £26,000 for Forget Me Not’s vital work with babies and children living with life shortening conditions and their families across West Yorkshire.
Once again, the headline sponsor for the event will be Huddersfield-based Polyseam Ltd, a global powerhouse in the building and construction sector.
In 2023 Polyseam employees from their UK base at St Andrew’s Road in Huddersfield embraced their company’s Nordic heritage, donning Viking costumes for their team “Bjorn Ironside.”
Olando Salina, head of marketing at Polyseam, said: “We had an unforgettable experience in 2023. The day was filled with friendly competition and was lots of fun for spectators and participants alike.
“Team Polyseam had a wonderful time both in and out of the water. It was truly fantastic to see everyone unite, not only to enjoy the thrill of the race but also to support a cause that means so much to us all.
“We are already looking forward to the Dragon Boat Race 2024, excited for another memorable day of teamwork, laughter and making a positive impact. Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice does incredible work, and we are proud to be a part of their mission.”
For more information and to book a place visit Forget Me Not’s Dragon Boat Race page
