Dragon Boat Racing is the world’s fastest growing water sport and has become popular with charities and companies alike and the York Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge provides the opportunity for anyone to take part in this thrilling sport here in York on one of its finest  assets, the River Ouse. 

For companies and other organisations, Dragon Boat Racing is an exciting way of motivating and integrating people. It quickly gets everyone working together in a fun competitive environment. It is a superb platform for team building, whilst helping the  community by raising funds for local charities.

The event provides a high profile opportunity to support local charities which make such a valuable contribution to York’s community as well as generating support for your own team's nominated charity.

Stalls and a variety of activities are planned alongside the River to create a Gala Day atmosphere to compliment the Dragon Boat Racing. Race participants and their family and friends as supporters along with spectators are expected to number a few thousand. This is a substantial promotional opportunity for companies and organisations.

• Participants should note that the entry fee of £350 includes the free supply of 50 programmes for the team’s own distribution and covers the hire of the boats. Each team member is expected to raise personal sponsorship. Two thirds of the funds raised by the team go to the charity of the team's choice and one third to Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

• Dragon Boats Events Ltd and the Rotary Club of York will take all reasonable steps to ensure that racing takes place as specified

• Team Size - A maximum of 20 including paddlers, a drummer and reserves. The helmsmen are provided by Dragon Boats Events Ltd.

• Ability to swim - All team members must be able to swim. Buoyancy aids will be provided and must be worn by every member of the team.

• Minimum age - The minimum age for this event is 16 years old.

• Medical Restrictions - Each participant must be reasonably fit and able to swim. Each participant must not be vastly overweight in relation to their height. If you are unsure whether you can take part, seek advice from your doctor.

• Insurance - Dragon Boats Events Ltd and its parent company The Organisation Ltd. have their own Public and Employee Liability insurance. Any additional insurance requirements should be arranged by the individual.

• Notice - The event is an adventure sport and as such involves a risk of injury regardless of the standard of training and supervision of equipment involved Each participant will be required to sign a declaration before racing that they voluntarily accept all risks involved and are fit and able to swim as per the medical restrictions above and will not hold The Organisation Ltd, The Rotary Club of York, British Waterways, or any of the charities involved liable for any claims arising from any accident resulting in any loss or damage including bodily injury or death and agree to be bound by the rules (Click for a copy of the Crew Declaration)

Sponsorship opportunities are flexible and range from providing a team, participating in planned stalls and activities, through to advertising in the programme (click for Programme Advertising Proforma )

* Entries for the 2008 Challenge are now closed but expressions of interest for 2009 can be registered with David Thompson