THE dragons roared loudly in Warrington on the River Mersey as 15 crews took part in the annual St. Rocco’s Dragon Boat Race.
The weather was fantastic and there was a brilliant family atmosphere as the teams set up their gazebos at Warrington Rowing Club, bringing along family, friends and even their dogs to join in the fun and cheer on the teams yesterdayday, Sunday.
It was to be a hotly fought competition. Each boat competed over three rounds to clock up their fastest time possible and qualify for the four boat final.
Zachary Daniels boat ‘Z team’ skippered by St. Rocco’s trustee Zac Clements, set the bar in the first round with the fastest time of the day, although the Mighty Loaders, last year’s champions, were only a tenth of a second behind them with the Row Geeks and the D Team following closely behind.
By the end of the third round, following some very fast races it was the A Team, Mighty Loaders, MDS Drinking Dragons and DV8’s Row Geeks who had paddled themselves into the final.
Amanda’s Marauders were certainly the best dressed teams, bedecked in with pirated accessories and in some cases pirate beards! This year there was an all-girls team captained by Sarah Bennett who has personal experience of the care that St. Rocco’s offers.
“My Dad was looked after by the team at St. Rocco’s and I can’t tell you how strongly I feel about the work that the hospice does. The Dragon Boat Race is a great event and it’s a chance for the community of Warrington to come out and really show their support for St. Rocco’s. It’s always a great day!” she said.
It cost £3.7 million for St. Rocco’s to deliver its care last year and the hospice relies on the generosity of the local community for over 70% of that amount, with events such as the Dragon Boat Race making an important contribution.
The final, watched by the Mayor and Mayoress of Warrington, was so close that only 1.25 seconds separated the four boats but it was A Team who emerged as this year’s St. Rocco’s Dragon Boat Champions!
Event Organiser, Rachel Ingham said, “We would like to say a hug thank you to every team that entered this year for supporting St. Rocco’s and making such a difference to the lives of those we care for and their families. It really has been a fantastic and competitive event this year and we’re already looking forward to seeing everyone back for 2017!”
Feeling inspired to take on a challenge for St. Rocco’s? The Colour Run on Bank Holiday Monday, 29th August could be just the thing!
All ages can go from white to bright whilst running or walking the 3km course. Register now at http://www.stroccos.org.uk/events/st-roccos-colour-run/.
FOR MORE PICTURES CLICK HERE
