By Joshua Robinson – 

Fundraisers at Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice are inviting West Yorkshire businesses to “unleash their inner dragon” by rounding up workmates, family, and friends for some fun team building at their annual Dragon Boat Race at Pugneys Country Park in Wakefield on Saturday 21st September.

The Dragon Boat race sees teams of 16 paddlers (and a drummer to keep the rhythm) racing along a 250-metre course, cheered on by hundreds of spectators. Each team in the day-long event takes part in at least 3 races, with the fastest teams going through to semi-finals and finals.

Teams are asked to raise £1000 in sponsorship and on-the-day fundraising activities and are encouraged to bring friends and family along to cheer them on and join in the fun. The event is free to attend for the general public, and there is plenty to entertain spectators on the shore with an onsite café, a Forget Me Not a pop-up shop, a tombola, and a raffle plus a host of fundraising activities organised by the boat race teams.

There are trophies for the winners, best fancy dress, fastest race, and most money raised by fundraising activities on the day.

Vicky Lough, Event Organiser at Forget Me Not said: “Our Dragon Boat Race is one of the biggest events in our calendar and many of the businesses who attend tell us it’s a highlight of the year for their staff. It’s a high energy, fun event that’s great for bringing teams together while raising money for Forget Me Not, a charity that touches the lives of so many people in West Yorkshire. There is always a really good atmosphere, the shore line at Pugneys is lined by the team’s fundraising gazebos. We never quite know what the teams will get up to with their costumes and activities so we’re looking forward to some surprises on the day!”

The annual event proved popular with businesses in 2023, with 27 boats raising over £26,000 for Forget Me Not’s vital work with babies and children living with life-shortening conditions and their families across West Yorkshire.

Taking to the lake at Forget Me Not Dragon Boat Race 2023

Once again, the headline sponsor for the event will be Huddersfield-based Polyseam Ltd, a global powerhouse in the building and construction sector. In 2023 Polyseam employees from their UK base at St Andrew’s Road in Huddersfield embraced their company’s Nordic heritage, donning Viking costumes for their team “Bjorn Ironside.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8xTAVVC0RE

Olando Salina, Head of Marketing at Polyseam said: “We had an unforgettable experience at the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice Dragon Boat Race 2023. The day was filled with friendly competition and was lots of fun for spectators and participants alike. I enjoyed seeing all the local businesses, family and friends that came together for such a great cause.”

“Team Polyseam had a wonderful time both in and out of the water. It was truly fantastic to see everyone unite, not only to enjoy the thrill of the race but also to support a cause that means so much to us all.”

“We are already looking forward to the Dragon Boat Race 2024, excited for another memorable day of teamwork, laughter and making a positive impact. Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice does incredible work, and we are proud to be a part of their mission.”

For more information and to book a place visit Forget Me Not’s Dragon Boat Race page.

For more information about Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice please visit: www.forgetmenotchild.co.uk

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