Actually, people in dragon boats are coming for a community wide fundraiser that Paddle For Life is hosting July 13, 2019, to benefit the Clark County Veterans Assistance Center.

WHAT IS THE CLARK COUNTY VETERANS ASSISTANCE CENTER?

The nonprofit Clark County Veterans Assistance Center assists military veterans and their families with basic needs – help with rent, transportation, food, and employment; legal and medical services; and other resources. At last count, the center was providing support and a welcoming environment for more than 3,000 military veterans and their families each year.

WHAT IS DRAGON BOAT RACING?

Dragon boating originated in China more than 2,000 years ago and has become both a competitive and recreational sport with participation growing worldwide. It is the ultimate team sport with 10-20 people seated in pairs and paddling in sync. All the while, a caller up front bangs a drum to keep the team in time over a distance of 250 meters.

WHY WOULD I WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN A DRAGON BOAT RACE?

Dragon boating is for a variety of ages and skill and fitness levels. You can compete like an Olympian or just go out and have fun. The Paddle For Life event on July 13, 2019, will feature various heats for differing levels of skill and fitness. Community teams will be made up of people who sign up to participate together. Yes, you will be in a boat with friends, family, or coworkers. Picture yourself showing off your medal from the races Monday at work! And paddling together is a great way to foster team spirit.

WHERE AND WHEN WILL THE EVENT BE?

The Paddle For Life Dragon Boat Race will be at Vancouver Lake Regional Park on July 13, 2019.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The cost for two practices, a race jersey, participation in race day (two races), and medal is $25 per person or $250 for 10 paddlers in a boat. Remember, this is a fundraiser for the Clark County Veterans Assistance Center. Organizing a team of coworkers? Maybe you can convince your company to sponsor your team!

GREAT! I’M IN! WHAT DO I DO?

1. Check out paddleforlife.org for details, including how to register.
2. Rally 10-11 friends, family members, coworkers, and acquaintances to be on your team. Enter their names and shirt sizes on your registration form on the website.
3. Sign up for your two free practices before race day. Bring your team to the lake, and we’ll provide a coach, steersperson, life jackets, and paddles — everything you will need to prepare for race day.

Paddle For Life® is a 501c(3) nonprofit