12 Jun
This event can be boring for spectators unless you have friends who are racing. I go to see how many boats have multiracial crews – and there are many. Not only are some teams made up of different races together in one boat, but many have men and women paddling together in one boat. I’ve been seeing this exemplary tradition since I started going to dragon boat races in Toronto in 2011. It’s so encouraging.
This year organizers are expecting 180 to 200 teams with over 5,000 athletes from Toronto and abroad. Dragon boat racing originated in China a couple thousand years ago and has now spread around the world.
Hopefully, you’ll have a pleasant, relaxing day on Centre Island. There will be interesting multicultural performances to see too. The only problem will probably be long line-ups at the ferry pier so go early. There’s a fee for the ferry to Centre Island. Admission to the races is free for spectators.
Tim Horton’s Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival – June 18 and 19. http://dragonboats.com/
Please follow Toronto Multicultural Calendar on Twitter #torontomulticul in June when I’m traveling away from my computer. Ruth.