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THE MAIN EVENT: DRAGON BOAT RACING

Dragon Boat Racing is an ancient Chinese sport that's catching on internationally today.

Dragon boating is over 2,000 years old and is steeped in tradition. In ancient China, Chu Yuan, a poet, warrior, and loyal aid to the Emperor, fell victim to plots and deception, and fell out of favor with the Court. When the old Emperor died, Chu Yuan was unjustly banished and wandered the countryside writing poems he hoped would be heard and heeded by the new Emperor.

Despondent, he finally threw himself into the Mi Lo River. His devoted followers, learning of his death, beat their paddles on the water and banged drums and gongs to frighten away the fish from Chu Yuan’s body. Athletes the world over still meet to commemorate Yuan’s sacrifice for honor and justice.

The sport has grown into an international competitive event, with Dragon Boat Races held around the globe from Hong Kong to Sydney, and San Francisco to London.

AWAKENING THE DRAGON

A tradition since the first Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, the Awakening the Dragon Ceremony is a beautiful and spiritual ritual during which Buddhist monks chant as special guests carefully “dot the eyes” of the racing boats as well as a 75-foot Dragon which comes to life for a Dragon Dance.

The ceremony takes place as part of the Welcome Ceremony on Saturday at 10 am and awakens the spirit of the dragon within the boats and blesses all the athletes who will compete.

ENTER THE DRAGON BOAT: DRAGON BOATING 101

If the dragon boat racing bug is biting you, Dragon Boating 101 is your solution! DB 101 offers festival-goers the opportunity to buckle on a life jacket, grab a paddle, and get into the action! For only $20 you (and 19 other introductory racers) will get a chance to race an official dragon boat. The Dragon Boat Racing Association of Colorado (DRACO) will provide on-shore training, personal floatation device, and paddle.

You can register before 1:00 pm each day during the Festival at the Team Registration tent. 
Registration is for adults (18 years of age and older) and youth (ages 13-17, with permission from a parent or guardian).

DB101 schedule for both Saturday and Sunday, July 24 -25, 2010 is:
1:00pm–2:00pm       On-shore safety and training
2:00pm–3:00pm       Equipment distribution, on-water practice and warm-up
3:00pm                   RACE!

NEW FOR 2010: FUN CHALLENGE RACES!

For the first time this year, we're going to feature some wacky competitions on Sunday afternoon, including Backward Races (teams face the back of the Dragon Boats and paddle bacwards), Barrel Races (yep, just like at the Stock Show!), Heavy Races (20 paddler with only 10 paddles) and Light Races (10 paddlers per boat).

Racers whose teams have been eliminated, and anyone who signs up for Draghon Boat 101 on either Saturday or Sunday will be eligible to compete in the Challenge Races.