Team aql In Training For Charity Dragon Boat Race

Posted May 31st 2012

On Saturday 30th June and Sunday 1st July Leeds Waterfront Festival 2012 will see hundreds of local people from across Leeds join the community event at Clarence Dock.

The 2012 event is promised to be bigger and even more entertaining than previous years, featuring live music, local bands, arts and dance, boat trips and many more activities for people of all ages to enjoy. All the money raised will go to the fantastic work carried out by the Leeds Community Foundation and local charities.
The Dragon Boat Race has this year been included in the Leeds Waterfront Festival agenda, rather than 2 separate events, many Leeds businesses are taking part in this highly competitive race on board 40 foot long Dragon boats powered by 16 paddlers and a drummer to keep time.

There will be around 100 races throughout the day and the aql team are hoping to reign victorious! Last year team aql made a valiant attempt however after receiving last place they have been in training and hopes are high for this year’s participation. The highlight of the day is, as always, seeing the fabulous fancy dress outfits sported by each race team as part of the much coveted ‘fancy dress competition’ award. The 2011 event saw Vikings, Superheroes and aql’s very own ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of BOOM!’ entry. This year aql are keeping their fancy dress theme firmly under wraps and it will be revealed on the day!

Amanda Bennett, Marketing and Events Manager at Leeds Community Foundation, commented: "This is our 5th anniversary and one of the most important events of the Leeds social calendar is the spectacular Dragon Boat Race. In addition to having a great deal of fun, teams raise funds for Leeds Community Foundation and local charities. We are really glad that aql have chosen to support this community event yet again and I wish them all the luck for the race!"

This free event is a great opportunity for the local community to come together and local businesses to encourage team building, the Dragon Boat race is set to reach their target of £20,000 to support the Foundation’s work across Leeds. Sponsorship monies raised by the teams will go to Leeds Community Foundation who, in the past 5 years have given out over £16 million to community groups and small charities working in some of the most disadvantaged parts of Leeds. 

Dr Adam Beaumont, aql’s CEO and also a Patron of the Foundation commented: “The foundation does some great work and they have the wholehearted support of both myself and the aql team”.

There are a few places left so to find out how you can reserve a team, please ring Amanda on 0113 242-2426 or contact her via email