Dragon Boat for Blind and Partially Sighted Athletes
Are you interested in trying a new sport and challenging yourself? If so, join a dragon boat team specifically for blind and partially sighted individuals for the 2016 Dragon Boating Season. A dragon boat team consists of 20 paddlers sitting two abreast, plus a Cox who steers the dragon boat from the rear and a drummer who sits at the front. Teams can be all men, all women, or mixed crews. Timing, strength and endurance are 3 key elements of a successful team, the fourth and most critical is teamwork.
Dragon boating is a natural sport for people who are blind or visually impaired–it requires hard work, endurance and dedication, but not sight! It is one of the very few sports in which persons who are blind or visually impaired can participate and compete successfully on an equal basis with sighted peers, without any adaptation. Timing of paddling is more important than strength of the individual paddlers, making it a great team sport. The sport provides opportunity for competition, recreation, exercise and socialization. It is an exciting, fulfilling and physically demanding sport–a lot of hard work and a great deal of fun! It is the fastest growing sport in the world today, with a growing number of blind and partially-sighted teams.
The Dartmouth Dragon Boat Association would like to determine if there is enough interest in our community to establish a team for blind and partially-sighted athletes. We are hosting a free trial on Saturday 19th September 2015, from 2PM to 4PM at the Graham’s Grove Park in Dartmouth. This is an excellent opportunity to get in the boat and give it a try.
Numbers are required prior to the event so sufficient boats and volunteers are available. This is open to anyone who is interested, including supporters. Life Jackets and paddles are provided. Wear weather appropriate clothing. It is a water sport so you may get wet. Jeans or any other heavy clothing is not advisable. Change rooms and washrooms are on site.
If you are interested in attending please contact info@dragonboateast.ca.