Australian Dragon Boat Federation

    2012 Australian Dragon Boat Championships Media & VIP Event  Australian Dragon Boating Federation (AusDBF) and Victorian Organising Committee are organising an event for media and VIP’s on 22nd February from 10am to 12pm in order to raise awareness of the magnitude of the upcoming Australian Dragon Boat Championships. This event will take place at the Harbour Kitchen (Shop 1, 800 Bourke St. Waterfront Side, Docklands). Amongst other dignitaries we will have presence of the Consul General of the People's Republic of China and Deputy Lord Mayor Susan Riley attending. The 2012 Australian Championships are to be held in Docklands from the 31st of March to the 5th of April and it is expected to draw approximately 3000 paddlers from across the nation to compete at both state and club level. Along with competitors we will see thousands of other people including sponsors, volunteers, officials, dignitaries and honoured guests. AusDBF president Kel Watt says, "Our flagship event's expansion to five days, over two and a half thousand contestants, 80 clubs from every state, and racing alongside the Melbourne CBD, is a coming of age for the sport. To celebrate the occasion in Australia's sports capital is a privilege, and I am certain the Melbourne public will support the event. We will do our best to treat Victorians to some heart pumping racing action as well as the colour, movement and noise of spectacular cultural performances." This year this year's event will be our biggest ever - marking 15 years of the Australian Dragon Boat Championships with clubs vying for the title of 'Australian Champion' and fighting to qualify for the World Championships in Hong Kong. Event director David Abel says, "Working with the City of Melbourne and Parks Victoria, the state of Victoria presents National Championships in a dynamic location surrounded by restaurants and cafes - a short tram ride from the heart of Melbourne's CBD." These Championships, in the heart of our city, will provide our Victorian state teams and clubs the chance to showcase their skills to the rest of Australia and for Melburnians to host yet another great sporting event. Want to find out more? Please contact: Phillip Chan on mobile: 0401 062 908 or e-mail:cultural2012@dragonboatsvictoria.com.au  "The Dragons are Coming!"