TIDBRF 2007 Newsletter

May 7, 2007

Dear dragon boat team captains and members,

The 2007 Inaugural Ontario Dragon Boat Classic

The National Dragonboat Club and the Toronto Chinese Business Association are proud to announce a new premier summer race at the Western Beaches Water Course at Marilyn Bell Park, Canada's brand new world-class dragon boat race course.

The National Dragonboat Club (NDC) is a not-for-profit incorporated paddling club dedicated to the development of paddle sports, in particular the discipline of dragon boat. The NDC endeavors to make paddling accessible to all who are interested, and to develop the sport at the highest level in order to showcase Canada's excellence in dragon boating on the world stage.

The Ontario Dragon Boat Classic is a one-day event held on August 11th, 2007 and features a minimum of 3 races for each team. Trophies and medals will be awarded to championship teams.

The Deadline to enter your team into this highly anticipated event is scheduled for Friday July 13th 2007. Registration fees for teams are $900, but $600 for teams who raced at the Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival 2007.

The registration forms will be available shortly on the TIDBRF website and can be submitted by fax: 416-595-7334 or by e-mail: race@dragonboats.com.

Prep Race May 27th - Last chance to register

Get your team ready for the island, with the ultimate practice race!

May 6th 2007 is the deadline to register your team for the Toronto International Dragon Boat Festival's first annual Prep-Race.

The Prep-Race is arranged exclusively for the benefit of the 2007 TIDBRF teams, and at the rate of only $150, it is a deal you would not want to pass up. Space is limited and time is running out, so we urge all teams interested to register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Our very first "Prep" Race will be held on Sunday, May 27, 2007 at the new racecourse at Marilyn Bell Park. Each team will have three races, which will be a great opportunity to tune up for the big event on June 16 and 17 and of course a chance to show the competition what you got!

To register your team for the event, please contact our team service coordinator, Jay Bhagat by e-mail: race@dragonboats.com or by phone: 416-598-8945 ext. 22

Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival June 16-17

The island race is rapidly approaching and spots are filling up faster then expected. To avoid disappointment we urge teams to register as soon as possible. Registration forms can be downloaded from our website: www.dragonboats.com and can be submitted to race@dragonboats.com or faxed to 416-595-7334

First Captains Meeting

It was great seeing many of you at the Captains meeting, as the buzz has already started for the race weekend in June. Registration is filling up fast, on-water practices have begun, and it looks like the competition is going to be exciting this year. Here's an update:

1) Captains meeting minutes

The minutes for our first Captains meeting have been completed and are attached with this email - they'll also be posted online shortly. If anyone has problems receiving the file please contact Jay Bhagat by e-mail: race@dragonboats.com

2) The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

We would like to ask that you forward this email on to your teammates to share information about the fundraising component of this year's event. We are so proud to be partnering with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation for the Annual Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival. We are encouraging all participants to raise a minimum of $100 for this very worthy cause!

As the leading national volunteer-based organization dedicated to creating a future without breast cancer, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation works collaboratively to fund, support and advocate for relevant and innovative breast cancer research; meaningful education and awareness programs; early diagnosis and effective treatment; and a positive quality of life for those living with breast cancer. For more information about what the Foundation does, please check out their website at www.cbcf.org.

Waivers and Rosters

Please note that the team waivers (enclosed in the registration package) need to be handed in before paddlers start practicing on the water (eg: first practice date). Also, if teams could submit their team rosters ASAP that would be great! Rosters and waivers can be submitted by e-mail: race@dragonboats.com , by fax: 416-595-7334, by drop off at the TCBA office, or by dropping them off at Sunnyside.

Practice schedule

Sunnyside practices have officially begun and just a reminder that we now have the full practice schedule online on the National Dragon Boat website: www.nationaldragonboat.com Joel is providing daily updates and the weather hotline is 416-532-6979.

Individuals looking for teams

There have been a number of individuals that have contacted us and are looking for teams. So, if anyone needs people to fill up their boat, we have a number of interested paddlers and you may contact Jay Bhagat by e-mail: race@dragonboats.com to be placed on a list for those interested.

Returning Cups and Trophies

We know they're nice to look at, but it's time to return your trophies from last years race and pass on the glory (or regain yours) in this year's event. Individual calls are going out to last year's winners. Cups can be dropped of to either the TCBA office or to Sunnyside.

Upcoming Dates

Important dates:

• May 27 -- TIDBRF Prep-Race
• June 16/17 -- TIDBRF at Toronto Island
• August 11 -- Ontario Dragon Boat Classic

NO PRACTICES

• May 19-21 Victoria Day weekend
• June 18-22
• June 30-July1, 2 Canada Day weekend
• August 4-6 Caribana
• Sept 1-3 Labour Day

Other dates of note

• July 6-8 Molson Indy (Lakeshore closed east of Sunnyside)
• Aug. 11 First day of CNE

I hope this information has been useful -- if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Jay Bhagat, the team service coordinator, at: race@dragonboats.com or 416-598-8945 ext. 22. Any concerns regarding practices and coaching can go to Joel at joel.symons@nationaldragonboat.com

Take care and see you out on the water,

March 26, 2007

Dear dragon boat team captains and members,

Season Opens in 20 Days

Time flies and soon it will be April 14th, when the 2007 dragon boat season will officially be open at our Sunnyside dragon boat facilities.

So firstly we would want to remind those teams who have registered but have not completed the payment procedures with us, to do so immediately in order to ensure that your preferred time slots for practice are reserved for you.

Secondly, for those teams who have still not registered, please do so immediately to avoid disappointment, as space is limited to a total of 180 teams, and it is very likely that the spots will be sold out long before the registration deadline.

For registration, please refer to our web site www.dragonboats.com or call Jay Bhagat, our Team Service Coordinator at 416-598-8945 (ext. 22) or email race@dragonboats.com. Jay is always available to answer any enquiries that you may have concerning general administrative matters about the races and practices.

Team Captains' Season-Kickoff Meeting, April 11th

Please note that the season-kickoff team captains' meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 11th at 6:30 p.m. at the Grenadier Cafe. It is important for all team captains to attend, as practice site arrangements and safety procedures will be discussed. Also it would be a great opportunity for you to meet with the coaches and festival staff. For more information and directions please visit the following link: http://nationaldragonboat.com/sched_races.html

Prep Race May 27th Only 30 spots left

Get your team ready for the island, with the ultimate practice race! Our very first "Prep" Race will be held on Sunday, May 27th, 2007 at the new race course at Marilyn Bell Park. Each team will have two races, which will be a great opportunity to tune up for the big event on June 16 and 17 and of course a chance to show the competition what you got!

The Prep (Preparation) Race is arranged exclusively for the benefit of the 2007 TIDBRF teams and space is limited to only 150 teams, so we must urge teams who want to take part to register as soon as possible as there are only about 30 spots still open for this event. The entry fee is $150.

Looking for Paddlers?

There have been a number of individuals that have contacted us and are looking for teams. So, if anyone needs people to fill up their boat, we have a number of interested paddlers and you may contact Jay Bhagat (race@dragonboats.com) for a list.

Want to book coaching and extra practice sessions?

As you know, your registration fee includes five complimentary practice sessions with the National Dragon Boat Club. To book additional training and coaching sessions, please contact the National Dragon Boat Club directly (joel.symons@nationaldragonboat.com).

Waivers

Please note that the team waivers (enclosed in the registration package) need to be handed in before paddlers start practicing on the water (i.e. the first practice). So if teams could submit their team rosters ASAP that would be great!

Payment Due Date April 7

Please be reminded that all fees are due on April 7, and only teams who have paid in full will be able to start practicing. If you would like a copy of your original invoice to be sent to you, please contact Jay Bhagat (race@dragonboats.com).

Festival Web Site

Please visit our web site at www.dragonboats.com for registration, rules and regulations, practice schedules, past newsletters, photo gallery, accommodations, and other information.

I hope this information has been useful - if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Jay Bhagat, the team service coordinator, at: race@dragonboats.com or 416-598-8945 ext. 22. Any concerns regarding practices and coaching please enquire directly with the National Dragon Boat Club (joel.symons@nationaldragonboat.com)

Take care and see you at the Team captains' meeting two weeks from now!

Yours Truly,

Alexis Yam,
Chair - Race Division,
Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival.

March 2, 2007

Dear Dragon Boat team captains,

Despite the severe weather that we have over the last few days, winter will soon be gone and the dragon boat season will be here before you know it. In fact, the spring training session will commence on April 14 -- just six weeks from now!

REGISTRATION UPDATE

I would first like to give you an update on the status of the TIDBRF 2007 team registration. Just over 100 teams have already registered and we are way ahead of last year's progress in that respect. It proves that the changes that we have made have been very well received. The Prep Race at the new race course at the Marilyn Bell Park and the cash prizes are just a few of the things that we continue to improve to provide the best possible value for the teams.

REGISTER NOW

Please note that there is a 180-team limit on the Island races, and it would appear that the spots will be sold out long before the deadline date. So if you still have not registered, you should act quickly in order to secure your spot and also still be able to take advantage of the discount on coaching and training fees on TIDBRF teams, as these discounts will no longer be available after March 9, 2007. To do so please (1) go online at www.dragonboats.com or (b) contact our coordinator: Jay Bhagat telephone: 416-598-8945 Ext. 22 or email: race@dragonboats.com

BOOKINGS FOR COACHING AND TRAINING SESSIONS (NEW RATE EFFECTIVE FROM MARCH 9, 2007)

Please also note that effective from March 9, 2007, the bookings will be handled directly by the National Dragon Boat Club and also new rates will also be effective on that day. So for those teams who have registered in the Island races but have not booked the extra coaching/training sessions in addition to the five hour of free training sessions included with your registration, please do so as soon as possible to take advantage of the discount which is still available. To book training/coaching sessions, please contact the National Dragon Boat Club directly (Joel Symons : telephone: 647-295-3968 or email: joel.symons@nationaldragonboat.com).

Sincerely,

Alexis Yam,

Chair-Race Division
Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival

November 16, 2006

Hi Teams,

A new Dragon Boat season is upon us and we are excited to start the process in organizing what many will continue to recognize as the best festival in the world. 

The 2006 TIDBRF was a huge success and we would like to thank all the participants again for making it such a special event.  A number of changes had been made last year - including the race structure, event coordination and prizes - and the response was extremely favourable.  We have built on this momentum and more improvements and additions are in store for 2007. 

First off, I would like to mention some important details about the 2006 festival that will remain the same this year:

• entry fees will remain the same, as they have been for the last number of years.
• the race format will stay the same as in 2006, with the 2 initial heats on Saturday, and the Final and Special races on Sunday (for a total of 4 races).    
• the TCBA and National Dragonboat Club (NDC) will again be working together in partnership to organize the race operations

The Island race has the reputation for being a world-class event and the festival's continued evolution has proven so.  To build on last year's success, we have made a few additions and changes that would add greater value to the teams:

1) TIDBRF Prep-Race at Marilyn Bell Park (New in 2007)

This year the TIDBRF participants will also have a taste of the new Marilyn Bell Park race course by the addition of a Prep-Race to be held there.  This one-day event is only open to the Island race participants and will take place on May 27, 2007, which is three weeks before the Festival.  Each team will have two races to tune up for the main event.  Teams that register during the early bird period will receive free registration.  Otherwise there will be a small fee of $150 for each team.

2) Early Registration

The Early Bird period will go until January 31, 2007.  Teams that register and submit full payment during this period will save $300 by:

a) enjoying free entry to the TIDBRF Prep-Race (value $150) and

b) receiving $150 off the festival team entry fee.

To register, you can download the registration package at www.dragonboats.com and submit the forms online, by fax (416-595-7334), or by mail (1220 Ellesmere Road, Unit 13, Toronto, ON M1P 2X5).

3) Prizes (New in 2007)

We hope to reward more teams for their hard work and dedication, as the competition is better than ever!

As you know, the huge addition of medals in the past festival was a great welcome to the teams, and this coming year we shall continue to award every first, second and third place teams of every divisional final races and special championship races with individual medals.

In addition, for the first time in our 19-year history, cash prizes will be given out to the teams qualifying for the premier mixed championship race. The total value of prizes (cash and equivalent) that will be given out to the six participants of the mixed team (including corporate, community, universities, national and international teams) grand championship race will be $25,000, out of which a value of $10,000 will be awarded to the grand champion team. 

Details of the prize structure can be seen in Section 18 and 19 of the Registration package.  As mentioned, the cash/cash equivalent prizes will be given out to the six best teams in lieu of the air tickets awarded to just the grand champion team only as in past years.

4)Toronto Summer World-Class Dragon Boat Race (New in 2007)

The Toronto Chinese Business Association and the National Dragon Boat Club are proud to announce the addition of a new world-class summer race at the new race course at Marilyn Bell Park!  The event will take place on August 11 and 12, 2007. 

Details about the event and the registration package will be released in early 2007, but what we can assure you is that the races will be run like a world class event and for those teams who are participating in the 2007 Island races, you will have priority and other benefits for also entering in this event.  

I hope this information has been useful. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact either Mike Yam, the team service coordinator, at:  race@dragonboats.com or 416-598-8945 ext. 22, Bella Bough, Administrative Manager at 416-598-8945, ext. 23, or Alexis Yam, Chair - Race Division at alexis.yam@rogers.com or 416-321-2196.  And for now, any enquires in regard to practices and coaching can go to Joel Symons at joel.symons@nationaldragonboat.com

Look forward to hearing from you,

Sincerely,

Alexis Yam, C.A.

Chair, Race Division,

Mike Yam

Team Service Coordinator

Bella Bough

Administrative Manager

Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival

1220 Ellesmere Road, Unit 13, Toronto, ON, M1P 2X5

Tel: (416) 598-8945 ext. 22

Fax: (416) 595-7334