Events

25th Annual Woodlands Family YMCA Dragon Boat Team Challenge kicks off

By Jennifer Bruse | September 26, 2024

For the 25th year, Dragon Boat races return to The Woodlands! The YMCA Dragon Boat Team Challenge, presented by Repsol, is a three-day event at Northshore Park that kicked off today Thursday, September 26 and continues through Saturday, September 28.

View photos from the races held on September 26 on the Hello Woodlands Facebook page here:

Teams are participating in a single 4-hour bracket, 8 am–Noon or 2–6 pm. A team is comprised of a minimum of 20 members but no more than 30. Each team roster must have a minimum of 5 females and participants must be at least 18 years of age. High School teams, 9th–12th grade, are eligible to participate in Saturday afternoon bracket, September 28th.

The event also features 4 different team activities, but the Dragon Boat races are the main event. Dragon boats are 40 feet long, extremely colorful and weigh over 1,800 pounds each! This exciting team-building event is designed to build community spirit among corporations, civic groups and community organizations. The activities are designed to bring individuals together to achieve a single goal – to have fun and build relationships! They achieve this by becoming a team and working together as a synchronized unit. It’s much more than “beating the other team.” It is the camaraderie and team spirit, connecting with old friends, meeting new friends and laughing. Along with improving health, whenever teamwork is involved, there’s the added benefit of being linked to others. It is adults having the opportunity to play like kids!

Celebrating 25 years rowing for a cause, the YMCA Dragon Boat Team Challenge benefits the Y’s Annual Campaign, which ensures the Y can offer unique opportunities for families to come together in a safe place, create a welcoming environment for all, and ensure that everyone has access to our YMCA and its programs, regardless of age, income, background or circumstance. The YMCA is not just a place, but a purpose. For more than 40 years, The Woodlands Family YMCA has strengthened the bonds of the community and helped ALL Grow Stronger in Spirit, Mind and Body.

The community is invited to stop by, witness the unique sport of Dragon Boat Racing and cheer on their favorite team. Admission is free for spectators.

For more information, visit ymcahouston.org/join/dragon-boat.

Source: The Woodlands Family YMCA