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Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival launches anticipated summer events season

Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival launches anticipated summer events season

“The racing is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day and they leave the start line every eleven minutes,” Ages told NanaimoNewsNOW.

The 500 metre straight course starts at the southern edge of Newcastle Channel and ends at the Fishing and Walking Pier, often referred to as the crab dock.

Three teams compete at a time.

In addition to the races, all-day, on-shore entertainment takes over Maffeo Sutton Park, including live musical and dance performances, food trucks, a kids play area and beer garden.

Ages said dragon boaters from all over Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland are energized for the Nanaimo event.

“Its been really difficult for these athletes for the last two years…people are really excited to get together and congregate,” Ages said in reference to canceled local dragon boat festivals in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.

Funds raised from the event supports the Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation and BC Cancer Foundation.

Back-to-back breast cancer survivor races are scheduled starting at 12 p.m. on Saturday.

Ages said successful dragon boat teams require a blend of strength, preparation and diligent teamwork.

“They achieve medals by behaving as one unit, as one organism and that takes a lot of practice and a lot plain hard work.”

Dragon boating consists of 20 paddlers, a steerer and drummer.

The theme for this year’s festival is Life’s a Beach Party which will undoubtedly inspire some wild outfits. Prizes will be awarded to the mixed and women’s teams with the most colourful, tackiest beach attire and accessories.

More details on the event can be found here.

This is the first year Victoria based Fairway Gorge Paddling Club (FGPC) is running the entire Nanaimo event after serving as race coordinator for many years.

FGPC is staging the Vancouver Island Dragon Boat Race Series this year, involving five events in the spring and summer.

Apair of other high profile summer events are on deck at Maffeo Sutton Park, with the Silly Boat Regatta on on Sunday, July 17.

The Nanaimo Marine Festival takes place the following weekend, culminating with the world renowned bath tub race on Sunday, July 24.

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On Twitter: @reporterholmes

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B.C. urges preparedness and strategy to fight extreme climate events

B.C. urges preparedness and strategy to fight extreme climate events

By Canadian Press

Jun 20, 2022 | 3:35 PM

VANCOUVER — The British Columbia government has released its new strategy to get the province ready to fight extreme weather that sets off heat, wildfires and flooding. 

Environment Minister George Heyman says the plan includes enhanced roles for the BC Wildfire Service to prepare and prevent fires. 

He highlighted the success of the community of Logan Lake, southwest of Kamloops, in its preparation that helped it avoid being overrun by an aggressive wildfire last August. 

Logan Lake Mayor Robin Smith says the community had 18 years to prepare for such a fire, and her advice is that it’s important just to start somewhere and take the first step to protect properties and communities. 

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Nanaimo’s Wastelands buzzing again after second event in VIMX racing series

Nanaimo’s Wastelands buzzing again after second event in VIMX racing series

Some weekend rain did little to dampen atmosphere at the Wastelands, however it did cause some operational challenges with heavy machinery used to help maintain the track in between races.

“We had to delay our practice to Sunday morning because of weather but other than that it went very well.”

Wastelands hosted three events in 2021 as regular racing got underway post-pandemic restrictions. Two races were part of the VIMX series while a March season opener served as a club race.

Wiltsey added many kids and adults turned to motocross throughout shutdowns in other sports.

“Our membership at the Wastelands almost doubled through the pandemic. A big percentage of those are new riders. It’s been great for our sport to see new people into it.”

A full list of results for the event is available on the VIMX website, with division winners from the central Island listed below:

  • Ramido Galdames (Nanaimo) – 1st, 50cc open
  • Baelen Macklem (Qualicum Beach) – 1st, 65cc Open
  • Dylan Ramirez (Qualicum Beach) – 1st, 85cc 12-16 years old
  • Lucas Evans (Nanaimo) – 1st, Beginner Open
  • Nick Syrotuck (Nanaimo) – 1st, Plus 30
  • Luca Mihoc (Nanoose Bay) – 1st, Tykes 4-8 years old

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