Dragons and bears aren’t likely playmates, but they are coming together in the name of charity for the annual Dragon Boat Race at Paddington Basin on 18 June. Join the fun with Paddington Bear and watch the hilarity unfold as 14 local companies take to the water, each in a rather dashing dragon boat, all with the aim of being first past the finishing line.
The name of the game: get dressed up, get fired up and getting paddling to raise money for UK charity Action Medical Research, which funds vital research to help sick and disabled children.
You are invited to head down to the waterside and watch as dragon boat battle commences from 6pm. Paddington Bear himself — the charity’s mascot — will be in attendance, cheering on the teams in between charming the crowds. There’ll also be refreshments available from Merchant Square Market to satiate roaring appetites.
No previous experience of dragon boating is necessary: the participants are simply being asked to come with their enthusiasm, eye-catching team dress and — thankfully — an ability to swim. It’s a hugely fun event and all for a good cause. Nissan were crowned the winners last time, will they be able to retain their title against fierce opposition from Crossrail, Virgin and Heathrow Express?
The overall champions are the Fastest Team, but there are also prizes for the Runner Up Team, Best Dressed Team (which is sure to be good for a laugh), plus the Special Paddington Bear award for the Most Sponsorship Raised.
Join the fundraiser and show your support — forget the icing on the cake, it’d be the marmalade on the sandwich.
Dragon Boat Race 2015 takes place on 18 June from 5.30pm (finals at 8.15pm) at Paddington Basin. The event is sponsored by European Land, developers of Paddington Basin/Merchant Square, and is entirely free, just turn up and show your support!
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