PaddleFest Dragon Boat Festival Set For September 7
Event takes place during 2014 ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships
OKLAHOMA CITY PaddleFest, an exciting dragon boat festival happening under the lights on the Oklahoma River, will take place for the first time on Saturday, September 27 in the Boathouse District located at Lincoln Blvd and S.E. 6th Street. The race kicks off at 5 p.m. and is part of the 2014 ICF Canoe Marathon World and Pan Am Championships. Registration is open on boathousedistrict.org. PaddleFest is sponsored by Super Cao Nguyen.
Dragon boating is a fun and safe water sport that has been growing in popularity in recent years. Teams consist of a group of 10 or 20 that will paddle to the rhythm of a drummer in order to propel a canoe with an ornate dragon head and tail down the river. A team can have both male and female members who range from ages 8 to 80.
Registration is now open. Teams will be placed into race categories based on skill level and ages. No experience necessary; all equipment, steerers and a practice session are included with the registration fee. Cost for local teams is $600 for a 20-person team or $350 for a 10-person team. Youth team cost is $400 and $200, respectively.
The fall Paddle for the Cure race will take place as part of the inaugural PaddleFest dragon boat festival. Paddle for the Cure is a friendly dragon boat competition benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure Central and Western Oklahoma Affiliate.
The 2014 ICF Canoe Marathon World and Pan Am Championships takes place September 25-28 on the Oklahoma River. Athletes from around the world will gather in Oklahoma City to compete in this prestigious event, the first world championships to be hosted on the Oklahoma River. Admission is free and free parking is available.
To register for PaddleFest or Paddle for the Cure, visit boathousedistrict.org.
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About the 2014 ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships and Pan Am Championships
The 2014 ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships and Pan Am Championships take place September 25-28 in Oklahoma City. Participants representing every continent will gather at the Oklahoma River to race for World and Pan Am titles. The event marks an historic first world championship to be held on the Oklahoma River in downtown Oklahoma City’s Boathouse District.
About the Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation
The OKC Boathouse Foundation promotes the use and development of the Oklahoma River as a world-class urban aquatic venue and provides access to rowing, kayaking and fitness programs for people of all ages and abilities. OKCBF programs pursue the highest goals of sports and embrace the principles of the Olympic spirit, which inspire athletes to work toward personal excellence, embrace the power of teamwork, and practice respect for all people and the environment. To learn more or get involved, call (405) 552-4040 or visit boathousedistrict.org.