Paphos People

On Sunday 26th April at 10:00, Germasogia Dam in Limassol will burst into life with the spectacle and sounds of the 3rd Dragon Boat Challenge. The teams of paddlers will battle it out in several categories of races over 200 and 500 metres to the sound of the drum beat and cheers of spectators from all over the island.
The tradition of Dragon Boat Racing appeared in China over two thousand years ago and came to Cyprus in 2008 but has rapidly grown in popularity. Teams of 20 paddlers, a drummer and a helm successfully participate in local and international competitions, and the Cyprus National Dragon Boat Team won 2 bronze medals at their first International Dragon Boat Federation World Championships in 2013.
The sport is open to people of all nationality, age and level of fitness and you can even try it for yourself - after the event anyone can try their hand at paddling the Dragon.
The Cyprus Dragon Boat Association holds regular events throughout the season with a fundraising festival on Sunday 5th July which is open to novice teams and the finale on Sunday 18th October when Cyprus will host overseas teams for the 8th International Dragon Boat Festival.
If you would like more information about the event on 26th April or would like to set up your own team or get involved with an established team, please contact the Cyprus Dragon Boat Association by email on cyprusdba@gmail.com,telephone on 99443351 or 99424130 or visit the website www.cyprusdba.org or find on facebook “Cyprus Dragon Boat Association”