Dragon boat racing
On 29th June Team Puratos took on 59 other local teams from companies such as Mercedes, Shucho and Univar at the annual Dragon Boat Festival in Milton Keynes in aid of Keech Childrens Hospice.
Dragon Boat Racing
in aid of Keech Childrens Hospice
Dragon boat racing has an ancient Chinese history and the festival is a re-enactment of a tragic event that took place more than 2000 years ago. Poet Qu-Yuan was falsely accused of treason and was exiled by jealous rivals in the government, in despair the poet threw himself into the Mi Lo river. Local fishermen rowed out to save him but he drowned. Every year a dragon boat festival is held in Hong Kong to commemorate Qu-Yuan.
However dragon boat races that take place in the UK are predominately for fun and to raise money for charity.
The key to Dragon Boat racing is to balance strength with rhythm and to have everyone pulling together as a team.
The 19 strong team was made up from all areas of the business with great support from Operations, Transport, Accounts, Sales, Technical, HR and Marketing, all sporting their 'Great taste and Wellness; Puratos t-shirts. Competing in 3 heats against 4 other teams at a time the boat was raced 500m across Willen Lake in Milton Keynes with the finalists going on to compete in one further race.
There were many activities to encourage the supporters to come along, a private Gazebo and BBQ hired by Puratos, Chinese dragon dances, jugglers, fun-fair and lots more - not to mention the unusually bright sunshine!
Family and friends turned up in crowds to cheer on team Puratos and enjoy the family fun day.
Recently launched Great Taste and Wellness runner up; 'Sainsbury's TTD wholemeal and Spelt loaf' was sampled to the public and was sliced and served with the BBQ and proved to be a big success, one member of the public quoting 'I love the interesting flavour and it makes me feel healthy just looking at it!'
Plans for next years boat race are already underway with everyone having a thoroughly enjoyable day and supporting a well deserved local charity.