York Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge, Captains’ briefing

With just under nine weeks to go until the 24^th York Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge on the 12^th July the Captains’ briefing was held on the 11^th May at the Novotel.  We again have a full compliment of 36 teams along with reserves and all teams were represented at the briefing.

The briefing is a very important event, team captains and representatives are fully briefed on the programme for the day, the site layout and management of the event, security and health and safety matters, racing instructions and the setting up of fundraising pages for the event, along with fundraising tips.  In 2025 the Dragon Boat teams raised £109,000, this year we have set a target of £120,000 for teams to aim for.  If that total is achieved it will take the total raised since 2023 to above £1.8m, a fantastic achievement.

As part of the meeting we heard from Mags Godderidge CEO of Survive.  Survive are the York Rotary nominated charity for 2026 along with the York Rotary charity fund.  Mags told us about the importance of the work that Survive undertake and the very high demand for their services.

In staging the Dragon Boat Challenge we are very grateful to the support of our three corporate sponsors, their support is so important and enables us to ensure that all fundraising by teams goes to the charities that they are supporting along with the York Rotary nominated charities.

There was a very positive response from teams at the briefing and much note taking took place. In the coming nine weeks leading up to the event the pace of activity and fundraising will rapidly increase.  We look forward to seeing all of the teams and supporters down by the river on Sunday 12^th July.

David Fotheringham,

Joint Dragon Boat team leader