A dragon boat race is to be staged to support local charities, sports clubs and PTA groups.

This fun team-building challenge will be staged on October 4 and can be taken up by organisations wanting to support the community cause of their choice or the Kentonline’s charity of the year.

Each team is expected to support their favourite charity with crew members raising sponsorship from family and friends.

To take part in the KM dragon boat challenge you wll need a crew of 17 people. Sixteen of the crew will paddle the dragon boat with the 17th person beating a drum to dictate the speed of the boat. All equipment is provided.

The event is for those who wish to savour the ancient traditions of the dragon boat, as much as for teams who want to test their strength and technique by travelling the 250m course in the fastest time.

There are six sponsorship packages available costing £500 each, and firms will have their support highlighted across KM Group titles and also enjoy the privilege of having a boat named after them.

Firms can also encourage staff by paying the boat registration charge.
The aim is that each crew member will raise a minimum of £120 for their favourite charity which means every dragon boat should raise £2,000 for good causes.

The event is taking place at Chatham Maritime, St Mary’s Island, on Sunday, October 4.

Teams may nominate a charity of their choice but the KM-backed charities set to benefit across the county are the Ellenor Lions Hospice in the Dartford/Gravesend district; the Giraffe Appeal for the Oliver Fisher Baby Unit and the Echo appeal for the British Heart Foundation in Medway; Guide Dogs for the Blind in Maidstone; Demelza House Children’s Hospice in the Swale district; Kent Kids Miles of Smiles in the Canterbury district; Pilgrims Hospices in the south Kent district and the Dad’s Quest prostate cancer charity in Thanet.

For more details of the event call the KM Charity Team on 08444 2640291, or apply for their dragon boat pack online at www.kmcharitychallenge.co.uk