Abbey Windows, a home improvement company based in Reading, is always getting involved in local community events. They love it – especially if it’s for a good cause.
This year, ICAAL were asked to join them in Reading’s annual Dragon Boat Race on the Thames and we gladly accepted the challenge and took to the paddle!
Reading Dragon Boat Race
On Sunday 20th August, hundreds of spectators gathered along the banks of the River Thames in Reading to watch this years Dragon Boat Race.
This popular local charity event, organised by the Lions Club, saw the Reading community go head to head in a series of races in order to be crowned champion.
Teams from across the region gathered at Thames Valley Park Riverside, alongside Wokingham Waterside Centre to “Race the Dragon”. Each team raised money for either the Reading Lions Club or a charity of their choice – all great causes.
Making a Difference
The Reading Lions Club is a local group of volunteers who aim to promote the health and well being of the Reading community.
They do this by helping to improve the local environment, as well as helping to support those in need. They support various Reading based community groups and charities.
They are also members of a larger international network of men and women who work together, challenging communities across the world.
“A big thank you to everyone that attended our second Dragon Boat Festival on the 20th August. A great day was had by all with lots of fun in the sun and on the water. An excellent way to raise funds for a local charity of choice.”
Dragon Boat Race – A Family Event
It was a great family fun day for all! Even ICAAL’s youngest member got involved…
There was a wonderful family atmosphere, with lots of things to see and do.
The spectacle of the racing on the water, alongside a mixture of entertainment, community stalls & landside games, made it a great day for all.
The festival was four times the size of last year so it’s clear that the race has now become a premiere event.
Dragon boat racing itself, attracts huge crowds from across the world. Did you know that it is more popular than Football in some parts of Asia?
The great thing about the Reading Dragon Boat Race, is that anyone can participate – regardless of experience.
Teams of up to 17 (over 16 years) can turn up on the day and be welcomed with a 12 metre boat and safety equipment.
Neil Whitehead, Managing Director of Abbey Windows said:
“It was a fantastic day. Well done to the Reading Lions. One of the older members advised that so far, and from the prostate testing they have been able to fund, they have early symptoms diagnosed 150 (ish) men, with the early stages of prostate cancer. And prior to the testing, they had no idea that they were potentially very unwell. Early diagnosis saves lives and saves our families and friends heartache. Get tested for their sake, if not yours.”
Below: The Abbey Windows team from last year’s event.
Extra training and technical is provided on the day, with the helms being just as competitive as the teams. They are there to win!
Even those not participating in the boat racing itself, got into the spirit – cheering on the teams.
A big thank you to Abbey Windows for inviting us to race alongside the Abbey team – who came 8th overall.
A congratulations to the ‘Mystery Paddlers’ came out on top, beating ‘Dunne and Dusted’ into second place.
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