Boat competition raises thousands for charity
A race held on the River Medway on Saturday, 13th September has raised nearly £100,000.
Inspired by a traditional Chinese celebration, a group of rowers from the Tunbridge Wells area organised a series of ‘Dragon Boat’ races to raise money for a number of charities. The contests took place at Bewl Water in Tonbridge, just five miles outside of Tunbridge Wells.
The races saw 41 teams in total compete in three heats and two finals. There was a bronze final and a final to decide the silver and gold medals. The winners of the race, TJs Academy, won with a time of 56.08 and were presented with their medals by athletics legend Dame Kelly Holmes.
Around 4,000 spectators attended the event, with some making use of banner printing to cheer on their loved ones. Other members of the audience also showed their support by wearing green 'We Love Tonbridge' promotional t-shirts.
As well as the attraction of the nautical races, there were other forms of entertainment to draw the crowds in, including the biggest inflatable obstacle course in the UK.
There are already plans for the event to return next year. Organisers are hoping for an even more successful event with a maximum number of boats entered in the race, which currently stands at 60.
Inspired by a traditional Chinese celebration, a group of rowers from the Tunbridge Wells area organised a series of ‘Dragon Boat’ races to raise money for a number of charities. The contests took place at Bewl Water in Tonbridge, just five miles outside of Tunbridge Wells.
The races saw 41 teams in total compete in three heats and two finals. There was a bronze final and a final to decide the silver and gold medals. The winners of the race, TJs Academy, won with a time of 56.08 and were presented with their medals by athletics legend Dame Kelly Holmes.
Around 4,000 spectators attended the event, with some making use of banner printing to cheer on their loved ones. Other members of the audience also showed their support by wearing green 'We Love Tonbridge' promotional t-shirts.
As well as the attraction of the nautical races, there were other forms of entertainment to draw the crowds in, including the biggest inflatable obstacle course in the UK.
There are already plans for the event to return next year. Organisers are hoping for an even more successful event with a maximum number of boats entered in the race, which currently stands at 60.