Teams race to sign up for Nottingham's Spectacular!
Pictures courtesy Infinite Images
Companies, clubs and organisations from across the East Midlands are getting their teams together and signing up to take part in the fifth Nottingham Riverside Festival Dragon Boat Challenge. This hugely popular annual event takes place on Sunday 4th August in aid of Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People and has fast become one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the local and regional events calendar. One of the first teams to enter this year's event is Challenge newcomers, Stannah Lifts, based in Mansfield. Established in 1867, Stannah Lifts complete more than 30,000 installs each year from their 11 branches nationwide. Crew manager, Samantha Smith, comments: “The leaflet arrived on a dark rainy day in what has seemed like an endless winter. It was perfect timing to inspire the thought of warmer days, teambuilding and having fun together with our families and laughing a lot (no doubt).” Samantha continues: “Everyone agreed it would be great to have a fun event to look forward to together and Rainbows Hospice is a great local cause too, our fundraising pot is already off to a great start with a donation of £1,000 from head office! The Stannah team will be made up of office staff, sales and lift engineers - three plucky ladies backed up by a very motivated male contingent!”
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
Also entering for the first time this year is Leicester-based Abel Alarm. Established in 1965, Abel Alarm has grown to become the UK's largest privately owned providers of electronic security systems and group director and crew manager, Joel Molloy, says: “We have been looking into raising money for Rainbows for a while and we decided that the Dragon Boat Challenge would be a fun and unique way to do it.” Joel continues: “We believe that our staff will benefit from taking part by working together as a team and bonding. Also by giving something back to charity and having fun while doing it. We haven't set a target as yet but are hoping to raise as much as we can for Rainbows!” The Abel Alarm team will be made up of people from all levels of the company from across the UK.
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Another company embracing the Challenge for the first time is Tutti Rouge, a newly established lingerie company based in Leicester. Brand coordinator and crew manager, Tara Simms, says: “After hearing about the Challenge in a local magazine we thought it would be a great way to raise our company profile whilst benefiting from a great team building exercise.” Tara explains: “We are also looking forward to enjoying the camaraderie both within the team and with other companies on the day and, as we're only a small team, we'll be inviting friends along to help us paddle on the day.”
A large proportion of the entries are new teams each year just like Abel Alarm, Stannah Lifts and Tutti Rouge and, as technique and timing are more likely to win the day than physical prowess, everyone has an even chance. Also, with more than one prize on offer there really is something for every team to aim for. Trophies will be presented to the winning crew, the top mixed crew (minimum 5 ladies), the 'best dressed' crew and the crew raising the most money for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People. The top fundraisers for Rainbows will also receive a special meal kindly donated by The Oriental Pearl Chinese restaurant, based in West Bridgford, who have also entered a team into the Challenge. Exciting, colourful and great fun, no previous experience is required to enter a team of up to 11 people into the event, just plenty of team spirit and enthusiasm! The dragon boats, qualified helms and all racing equipment are provided and each crew is guaranteed a minimum of three races. The Challenge promises a fantastic day for competitors and spectators alike with all the attractions of the Riverside Festival to enjoy including a bustling fair and vibrant mix of music, dance, crafts and food from around the world. The Challenge is supported by City Life magazine and helps raise much-needed funds for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People. Rainbows is the only children's hospice in the East Midlands and cares for over 230 local children and their families every year. Katie Baxter, Events Manager at Rainbows Hospice, says, "The Dragon Boat Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for Rainbows as it gives us a chance to raise essential funds with the help of the local community. Thanks to everyone involved, we are able to continue to be there.” To make sure your company, club or group of friends is on the start line on Sunday 4th August please call Gable Events on 01780 470718 or visit the Dragon Boat Challenge website at www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/nottingham