Online registration opens on February 1 for the Sparta Education Foundation’s Fifth Annual Sparta Dragon Boat Festival on Sunday, May 19 at the Lake Mohawk Country Club. Those who participated in the past know what an exciting day this is, and all the teams from 2018 as well as new teams are encouraged to join in on the fun. Register now at spartadragonboat.com for additional details about this fundraiser for Sparta’s public schools.
The Sparta Dragon Boat Festival is a perfect team-building opportunity for teams of 21 that can include friends, co-workers, neighbors, church members, sports teams, clubs or any group who would like to be part of this exhilarating event. All skill levels can participate, making it the ultimate team-building sport, requiring synchronicity and finesse– more than power– to win.
Dragon Boat Races are held in 46-foot long boats, and teams of 21 compete in 250 meter heats. A team is comprised of 20 paddlers and one drummer. Each team in this positive, adrenaline-filled activity must include at least eight female paddlers and can include no more than ten participants between the ages of 15-17. A steersman is provided by the Sparta Dragon Boat Festival director. Each team will be invited to an on-water practice session on Lake Mohawk with a trained coach/steersperson prior to race day and every team competes in at least two heats on Sunday, May 19. Prizes will be awarded, but the real winners will be Sparta’s students.
There are many exciting sponsorship opportunities available in 2019, including a Dragon Sponsorship level as well as Platinum, Awards, Leaderboard, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Friend of the Festival options. For more information about becoming a sponsor, registering your team or volunteer opportunities, visit spartadragonboat.com or like the Facebook page at facebook.com/SpartaDragonBoatFestival. Email any questions to paddle@SpartaDragonBoat.com.
Since 2006, the Sparta Education Foundation has funded over $1,024,000 in grants to all five of Sparta’s public schools. The Foundation is an all-volunteer, independent 501 (c) (3) NJ Non-Profit Corporation whose mission is to engage the entire community in philanthropic giving. Visit spartaeducationfoundation.org for more information about joining or volunteering.