Sunday 15th July 2012
Canbury Gardens, near Kingston Bridge
If you are looking for a great day out by the river then do not miss the annual Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge at Canbury Gardens, Kingston.
More pictures are available on flickr please click on 
to access.
Hundreds of competitors in up to 48 teams battle it out on the river from 10 am to determine who makes it into the exciting eight boat final at about 4 pm for the Challenge Cup. Market stalls, sideshows and bouncy castles plus rides for the kids go to make this a fun filled day, that last year raised over £45,000 for various charities.
All teams are required to raise money for Charity through team sponsorship. For teams who are not raising money for their own charity, this year, we recommended they support Kingston Young Carers. Kingston Young Carers' Project supports 5-18 year olds who have inappropriate caring responsibilities for a family member. It can be a parent or sibling who may have a physical disability, learning difficulty, medical illness, mental health issues or any number of conditions. The young carers cook, clean, look after younger siblings and themselves. They have no childhood, are often isolated and struggle at school. The Project provides a place to have a break, fun, an opportunity for peer support and one to one sessions with trained workers. It is a very valuable, worthwhile cause, offering a lifeline to many of Kingston's young people. This is a really deserving cause so do please take a look at their website www.kingstoncarers.org.uk.
We are also asking teams to get into the Olympic spirit by awarding a trophy for the team sporting the best Olympic themed headgear or costume.
If you wish to take part in the racing - no experience necessary and you will be given training (bouyancy aids, just in case) please register your email details by contacting Keith.
