2.  Is it difficult?

No, anyone can take part in dragon boat racing. This is the only competitive sport that requires absolutely no previous experience to take part in.

3. What is the idea behind it?

To have a fun day out and create a great networking opportunity within the promotional and marketing communities.  It's different from many traditional activities and is also a great outdoor event particularly if the weather is nice.

4. What will companies get out of it?

It is a great team building and motivational activity. There will be great networking opportunities

5. Do I have to be able to row a boat?

No because dragon boats are paddled not rowed!!! And you will receive full training

6. How much will it cost?

£900+VAT per team of 11 - that's 10 paddlers and 1 team.  Each team gets an afternoon tea and a great BBQ meal and a free drink. You can sponsor a team and we can fill it, or you can bring customers, friends, suppliers, your team - anyone!  If you want to bring more along to watch this will not cost them, however if they want food and drink we will need to know in advance.

7. Where does that money go?

The money goes to cover the cost of hiring the venue; provision of food and drink; hire and use of all the equipment including the dragon boats and rescue craft; provision of trained staff including compere and pa system; venue decoration; water safety cover; medical cover; £5M public liability insurance; medals & trophy.

8. Will I get wet?

There is every chance that you will get a little damp from the splashes caused by your eager teammates whilst racing!

9. Where is it all taking place and when?

At the 2012 Rowing & Sprint Canoeing Olympic venue - Eton College Rowing Lake, Dorney Lake, Windsor

10. Is there a prize for winning?

The top three crews will each receive an engraved dragon boat medal (gold, silver & bronze) and the overall champions will receive an attractive replica model of a dragon boat mounted on a base.

11.  Can my friends come along and watch?

Yes you are welcome to bring along as many friends, family and colleagues as you want. Entry to Dorney Lake is free but there will be a charge for the hospitality package

12. Who won last year?

Last years champions were Dragon Fly representing The BPMA, in 2nd place were Quackers representing the Advantage Group and in 3rd The Park House Pirates representing Axcion.

The history of Dragon Boat Racing

Dragon boat racing has an ancient Chinese history. Legend has it that falsely accused of treason and exiled by jealous rivals in the government, despairing warrior poet, Qu Yuan threw himself into the Mi Lo River. Local fishermen rowed out to save the drowning poet and tried to rescue him from vicious fish by beating the water with their paddles. But their attempts failed and every year in Hong Kong a Tuen Ng (Dragon Boat) Festival is held as a mark of respect for the fishermen's frantic efforts and to commemorate the tragic death of Qu Yuan.

The dragon boat's fierce looking dragon's heads were added later to ward off evil spirits and in Hong Kong special dumplings are eaten to represent the dumplings that were thrown in to the river to stop the fish eating the mighty Qu's body.

To find out more about the BPMA's Dragon Boat Race and for details of how to enter, contact: Daniela Arena, Event Manager, BPMA. Tel 020 7659 5556 email: daniela@bpma.co.uk

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