Heart of the Dragon Boat Festival

Central Georgia's ONLY dragon boat races in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters,

where teams paddle in unison tomake a big impact on young lives!

Saturday, September 21, 2024

Lake Tobesofkee’s Sandy Beach - Macon, GA

 

Get ready to paddle and have a blast! The Big Brothers Big Sisters Dragon Boat Races are just around the corner, and we’d love for you to join the fun in our 12th year of racing!
Dragon Boat races are the ultimate team-building activity, perfect for folks of all ages and fitness levels. Imagine the thrill of paddling in sync with your team, all while supporting a fantastic cause. This is our largest and most unique fundraiser, attracting breast cancer survivor teams, dragon boat clubs from across the southeast, and both local and non-local company and collegiate teams.
Whether you’re interested in becoming a sponsor or forming a team to race, we’d be thrilled to have you on board.

Teams of up to 14 paddlers, alternates, and a drummer race in authentic Hong Kong-style dragon boats in this unique cultural event. Coaches/professional steerers, boats and all equipment are provided to assist each team. All ages and skill levels can paddle, making it the ultimate team-building sport. Teams of paddlers representing companies, universities, breast cancer survivors, and friends row will race on beautiful Lake Tobesofkee in action-packed, exhilarating races for the Heart of the Dragon Trophy plus other special awards. In addition to the races, have fun at our 2nd Annual Beach Bash featuring family-friendly games and activities and a DJ spinning tunes. All are welcome to join us!

Dragon boat racing is the perfect team-building activity as it fosters collaboration, synchrony, and collective strength, bringing participants together to achieve a common goal. No experience is necesssary and all equipment is provided as well as one complimentary training the day before the race (pre-registration required).

The Heart of the Dragon Festival is Big Brothers Big Sisters’ largest fundraiser. Funds support our nationally recognized award-winning mentoring program for at-risk youth in Central Georgia.

 

WHAT IS A DRAGON BOAT RACE?

Dragon boat racing is the 8th fastest growing sport in the world with more than 50 million people in 63 countries participating each year.  If everyone is watching and working together, magic can happen in a dragon boat. Teams have to follow the strategy and then execute. The team members in the front must paddle in perfect timing as an example for the back half of the boat. When the power from the middle is mixed with the speed and ability of the paddlers in the back, a dragon boat can glide quickly through the water.

In addition to the actual races happening on the lake, there is a festival atmosphere happening on land. Each team has a tailgating area and friends to cheer them on. Our fabulous DJ will spin great tunes while our beach bash Bring a picnic and get ready for lots of fun to support Big Brothers Big Sisters!

When: Saturday, September 21, 2024

Races are slated to start at 10:00 AM and should run through mid-afternoon.

Where: Sandy Beach at Lake Tobesofkee in Macon, GA

 

Looking for a fun team building activity for your company?

Thank you to our 2024 sponsors and PARTNERS!

Publix Charities

All State Electrical

Cadence Bank

Carmeuse Lime & Stone

Central Georgia Technical College

Georgia Power - Key Street

Georgia Power - Plant Scherer

Macon Magazine

Robins Federal Credit Union

SunMark Bank

Terracon

Julia & Alex Morrison

American Pride Bank

MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union

Questions or want more information? Contact Betsy Fitzgerald at betsyf@bbbsga.org or 478-745-3984 ext. 114.