The Event – Team Spirit At Its Very Best

The 24th Tim Hortons^® Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival promises a two-day fun-filled event that brings sports, team spirit and community spirit to Toronto Centre Island on June 23 and 24, 2012.

From the humble beginning of only 27 teams participating in the first festival back in 1989, the Festival has evolved to a much bigger operation over the past two decades.

Organized by the Toronto Chinese Business Association and Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival, the Festival in 2012 will once again expect 180 to 200 teams with over 5,000 athletes.

This year, the Spirit Challenge Race registered 11 teams of individuals with physical and developmental challenges. After all, it’s not always about winning the cup. The team spirit, the message of hope and inclusiveness prevails throughout the Festival!

With the support from Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the 2011 Festival proudly presents a new component – “ Pan Am Village” where booths with cultural artefacts, displays and food from the Latin American and Caribbean ethnic backgrounds will be set up. Throughout the 2-day festival, the booths will stay open while performances by Toronto-based artists of Caribbean and Latin American cultures will entertain tourists on the main stage.

Supported by Canadian Heritage’s Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program (BCAH), the festival will showcase local artists and artisans through vendor displays, on-site workshops and on-stage performances. This is an opportunity for participating local artists and artisans to shine.

In 2012, as the Festival celebrates its 24th year, it promises to continue to be one of the most exciting summer events in Toronto. Once again this year, the Festival will welcome teams from all provinces across Canada, from the U.S., the Caribbean Islands, Europe and Asia.

Furthermore, the Festival values social responsibilities and has in the past raised funds for many reputable charitable organizations. This year, we are privileged to designate Canadian Diabetes Association as our fundraising beneficiary. By supporting this initiative, you will be helping children with type 1 diabetes attend award-winning summer camps, and also help fund medical research in GTA teaching hospitals to find a cure for diabetes.