BREAKING NEWS – 2020 FESTIVAL CANCELLED
Due to the concerns over the spread of Coronavirus, we are reluctantly cancelling the 2020 Arizona Dragon Boat Festival.
We will be back next year, but for now, here is our official announcement:
Notice of 2020 Festival Cancellation March 12, 2020
Since the news has come out about the Covid19 virus, we have been following the progression to see how it would impact the Arizona Dragon Boat festival this year. We have been continuing to follow in line and cooperation with the City of Tempe, Maricopa county health guidelines and that of the CDC.
Over the last few days since our last communication, those concerns have been heightened with additional spread and official declarations as well as growing public health concerns over the gathering of large crowds.
The state and county health organizations have not imposed any restrictions on outdoor or open-air events, however when considering the paramount importance of ensuring the health and safety of our staff, paddlers and the public, combined with the lack of access and availability of supplies such as sanitizer and wipes, we have come to the unfortunate decision that the 17th Arizona Dragon Boat Festival scheduled for March 28-29, 2020, will be canceled. Our new date is March 27th & 28th 2021.
The AZDBA assures everyone that the decision to postpone the festival was not taken lightly, nor without due and comprehensive consultations with appropriate authorities and stakeholders. Any questions you may have can be directed at your AZDBA festival contact.
Kind Regards, Desiree Simmons, Russ Downs, and Gary Cumberland, Directors, Arizona Dragon Boat Festival
Team Registration
DUE TO CANCELLATION OF THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL, WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS
The Arizona Dragon Boat Association would like to extend a warm welcome to teams from all over the world to our 17th Annual Dragon Boat Festival to be held March 28 & 29, 2020 on our beautiful Tempe Town Lake! We offer 10 Divisions: Mixed | Women | Open | Collegiate | Corporate | Masters | BCS | Adaptive or Disabled Athletes | Youth | High School. Additionally, we also offer our “Guts & Glory” and “Knock Out” races, with limited availability. Proceeds for the “Guts & Glory” and “Knock Out” races go to support the AZ Disabled Sports organization.
REGISTRATION IS NOW CANCELLED
2020 Registration Fees are as follows:
| Divisions | Early Bird (thru Feb 1) | Standard (closes Mar 1) |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed – 500m | $650 | $750 |
| Women | Open – 500m | $550 | $650 |
| Collegiate – 500m | $450 | $550 |
| Corporate – 250m | $800 | $900 |
| Masters| BCS – 500m | $250 | $350 |
| Youth| High School | Adaptive or Disabled – 250m | FREE | FREE |
| Juniors – 500m | $300 | $400 |
| Knock Out Race – 250m x 3 | $50 | $75 |
| Guts & GloryRace – ~1750m | $100 | $150 |
Notes:
Paddlers must be at least 14 years old to race, with the exception of the Youth Division (8 – 14 years old), Junior Division (< 18 yrs old), and High School (no age restrictions). Mixed teams must have a minimum of 8 male and 8 female paddlers (other 4 can be either). Women’s teams must be female and have a minimum of 16 paddlers, however there are no gender requirements for steersperson or drummer. Open teams must have a minimum of 16 paddlers. Collegiate, Corporate and Masters must have a minimum of 16 paddlers, 8 of which must be female. BCS teams must have a minimum of 16 paddlers, all of which must be breast cancer survivors or female cancer survivors. There is no BCS requirement for the steersperson or drummer. Youth and High School Divisions have no gender restrictions but must have a minimum of 16 paddlers. We allow a maximum roster of 25 team members and therefore, will only be providing 25 medals per winning team.
Complete Race Rules
Out-of-town team practices will be on Friday, March 27th. We will require all teams to sign waiver forms and deliver them to the practice coordinator(s). All team(s) must comply to all of the Tempe Town Lake’s rules at the practices, the practice coordinator will review this information with your steers.
For any questions on team information, please contact Ash Lagazo (out-of-state) or Michele Laye (in-state/corporate) at festivalteams@azdba.org
Are you interested in being an event volunteer? See the section below for more information.
Corporate Teams
Dragon boating provides the ultimate team building platform to boost morale while promoting key abilities essential in a work environment. Dragon boat racing is an exhilarating and addictive sport that requires communication and team work to be successful. Rhythm, discipline and focus are just a few characteristics important to this awesome sport.
Our annual Arizona Dragon Boat Festival offers an opportunity for local and regional businesses and organizations to join in the fun. We had another record year for participants in 2019 and look forward to more great teams to join in 2020! Compete with companies like Mayo Clinic, Wells Fargo, SRP, Intel, AT&T and many more.
We make it easy to participate, and the best part is – no experience is necessary. We’ll provide you with everything you need, including equipment, practice time AND a qualified coach!
If you are still hesitating because of lack of confidence, there’s even more help! We’ve developed a New Corporate Dragon Boat Captain’s Starter Kit just for you. It has everything you need in order to field a successful Dragon Boat Crew in our festival for the very first time! We provide you guidance on funding your team, recruiting tips, putting together a roster, and lots of logistical tips on planning out everything from the practices all the way through race weekend! Download the Captain’s Starter Kit now!
Volunteers
DUE TO CANCELLATION OF THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL, WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING VOLUNTEERS
The Arizona Dragon Boat Festival has over 2000 paddlers from all over the country attending to compete. With that many attendees, we require a full staff of volunteers to help with the days’ business – from set-up and parking to staging crew and dock hands – we have to fill all the roles!
DOWNLOAD: VOLUNTEER FLYER | VOLUNTEER PACKET