Toronto International Dragon Boat Festival
Encyclopedia
The Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival (TIDBRF), is an annual dragon boat
regatta
, first held in Toronto
, Ontario
, Canada
in 1988. It developed from the Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival
held in Vancouver, BC. An associated festival highlights Asian and other culture in Toronto.
. Currently (as of 2007), races occur in the Main Channel at Centre Island, one of the Toronto Islands
. The Main Channel race course is 500 m long and six lanes wide.
For 2007, pre-race events are planned for the Western Beaches Watercourse which hosted the 2006 Club Crew World Championships.
In addition to divisional finals seeded by aggregate time from two heats, there are also industry finals for teams representing groups in certain categories. In 2006, these were:
Dragon boat
A dragon boat is a human-powered watercraft traditionally made, in the Pearl River delta region of southern China - Guangdong Province, of teak wood to various designs and sizes. In other parts of China different woods are used to build these traditional watercraft...
regatta
Regatta
A regatta is a series of boat races. The term typically describes racing events of rowed or sailed water craft, although some powerboat race series are also called regattas...
, first held in Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
in 1988. It developed from the Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival
Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival
The Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival or Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival takes place every June on the waters and shoreside of False Creek in Vancouver, British Columbia...
held in Vancouver, BC. An associated festival highlights Asian and other culture in Toronto.
Venue
Races were originally held at Ontario PlaceOntario Place
Ontario Place is a multiple use entertainment and seasonal waterfront park attraction located in Toronto, Ontario, and owned by the Crown in Right of Ontario. It is administered as an agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture. Located on the shore of Lake Ontario, just south of...
. Currently (as of 2007), races occur in the Main Channel at Centre Island, one of the Toronto Islands
Toronto Islands
The Toronto Islands are a chain of small islands in the city of Toronto, Ontario. Comprising the only group of islands in the western part of Lake Ontario, the Toronto Islands are located just offshore from the city centre, and provide shelter for Toronto Harbour...
. The Main Channel race course is 500 m long and six lanes wide.
For 2007, pre-race events are planned for the Western Beaches Watercourse which hosted the 2006 Club Crew World Championships.
Format and Rules
Races occur over two days. Once separated into Community and Corporate categories, races were combined into the following categories for the 18th (2006) festival:- Premier Mixed (at least 8 women)
- Premier Women (all women)
- Junior Mixed (at least 8 girls)
In addition to divisional finals seeded by aggregate time from two heats, there are also industry finals for teams representing groups in certain categories. In 2006, these were:
- Community groups
- Non-profit groups and charities
- Universities
- Other education groups
- Hospitals
- Industries
- Breast cancer survivors
- Technology & Communications companies
- Pharmaceutical companies