Madison County Chamber of Commerce Dragon Boat Regatta

Madison County Chamber Dragon Boat Regatta

What is Dragon Boating?

The sport of dragon boating is over 2000 years old with its origins steeped in tradition. The pageantry, the colors, the mechanics of dragon boating are educational and present a view into the past.

The Legend of Chu Yuan
Over 2000 years ago Chu Yuan, poet, warrior and loyal aide to the emperor, fell victim to plots and deception and found himself out of favor at court. When the old emperor died, Chu Yuan was unjustly banished and wandered the countryside composing poems he hoped would be heard and heeded by the new emperor. His inconsolable desolation grew until one day he threw himself into the Mi Lo River. His devoted followers, learning of his death, rushed to search for his body. Fearing the fish might devour the body; they beat their paddles on the water and banged drums and gongs to frighten the fish. Today, athletes from around the world meet to commemorate Yuan’s sacrifice for honor and justice in the form of Dragon Boat Racing.

Dragon Boat Racing Today
Dragon boat racing is the world’s fastest growing water sport. It combines tradition with modern day teamwork, enthusiasm, and strategy. It is currently estimated that nearly 50 million people participate annually in dragon boat competitions world-wide. The majority race in China and the Far-East, with over 150,000 estimated participants in Europe; 50,000 in North America and 20,000 in Australia.

Add a comment.

Submitted by Kelly McGinnis on 1, July 14, 2008
From Ridgeland

Dragon Boat racing is about to be “a Mississippi Thing”!  A group of local Dragon Boat enthusiasts have formed Magnolia Dragon Boat Association.  The club is in the process of recruiting members and SPONSORS for the year round activity club.  We are working on the purchase of 4 new boats and equipment. For info check out our website.  The new website should be online by the 21st of this month @ www.magnoliadragonboat.com If you have any questions before the site launch feel free to give me a call at 601-238-4655.

Kelly McGinnis
Magnolia Dragon Boat Assn.

Submitted by Bo Pentecost on 1, July 11, 2008
http://www.solvemarketing.com

This even was such a BLAST. Can’t wait until next year. It is such a unique event - and it has been some time since I’ve seen companies come together and display that amount of camaraderie. Thank you, for introducing all to the “Dragon Boat.”

Bo

Submitted by Sherribeth Farmer on 1, July 08, 2008
From Madison, MS
http://www.BankPlus.net

Wow!  What a wonderful event.  The Dragon Boat Regatta was a blast!  Our team really had a fun time.  We started off rather skeptical--trying to figure out “Just what have we gotten into???” Quickly we got “on board” and were watching other teams for strategic advantages and ideas to improve our time.  By the end of the day, we were signed up for next year.

So look out next year for the BANKPLUS BANDITS who are gonna “ROW IT LIKE WE STOLE IT!”

Submitted by Kyle Gauthier on 1, July 08, 2008
From Ridgeland, MS

The Dragon Boat Regatta was a truly awesome event.  The team spirit was incredible, the costumes were very creative and the atmosphere was perfect for a fun filled family outing.

Submitted by Mark Prewitt on 1, July 08, 2008
From Jackson, MS
http://www.horne-llp.com

This was such an awesome event in 2008....I can’t wait until 2009!!  It is going to be a blast!!

Submitted by Dan Grimmett on 1, July 08, 2008
From Ridgeland, MS
http://www.DanGrimmett.com

“This was one of the most fun team building experiences that I have seen".."it was a blast!!”

Submitted by Christy on 1, July 08, 2008
From Jackson
http://www.clarionledger.com

The Madison County Chamber did the best job at hosting this event. The Clarion-Ledger is looking forward to 2009!!!!


A very special thank you to our corporate sponsors.