Press Release
In November, Northern Community Development Services here was very fortunate to become the recipient of a community dragon boat through the Dragon Boat Development Program.
After submitting an application to Dragon Boat Canada, NCDS was chosen to receive one of the six boats available across Canada.
Dragon boat racing is a Chinese tradition that promotes an excellent opportunity for friends, families, and co-workers to have fun.
At this point, community interest has been optimistic, with a number of organizations and businesses enthusiastic about forming teams to participate.
Local interest has included RBC, Gillons’ Insurance Brokers, Northwestern Health Unit, Good Life for Young People, Rainy River First Nations, and Community Living Fort Frances.
This is a great way, here in Fort Frances, to utilize our beautiful waterfront and an additional tourist attraction.
“Through an initial Dragon Boat Festival, interest and enthusiasm will be created and will result in the foundation of a Dragon Boat Club here in Rainy River District,” believes NCDS executive director Jennifer Greenhalgh.
Support also has been offered by the Rainy River Future Development Corp., Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce, the local BIA, and The Border 93.1.
The 40-foot long, 552-pound boat was made in Germany and assembled in Canada. It seats 20 paddlers, one drummer, and one steersman.
Both the dragon head and drum are included on the boat.
As a community-owned boat, it will be used to fundraise for local and national charitable causes and organizations rather than dedicated to just one charity.
The idea for a dragon boat in Fort Frances was identified after the success of the Blind River Dragon Boat Races. With a population half the size of Fort Frances, Blind River has raised more than $190,000 to date for local charities and non-profit organizations.
NCDS welcomes all participants—youths, seniors, organizations, and businesses. Little to no experience is needed to begin paddling.
Anyone interested in joining a volunteer-based committee to help establish the Dragon Boat Festival, or a future Dragon Boat Club, is encouraged to contact Greenhalgh at 274-2282.
