Return of the York Dragon Boat Challenge (From York Press)

Return of the York Dragon Boat Challenge

8:55am Monday 24th September 2012 in News

WHAT a difference two months makes. York’s Dragon Boat Challenge was staged on the River Ouse in glorious sunshine at the weekend - in stark contrast to the foul weather which forced its cancellation back in the summer.

Heavy rain in July caused river levels to rise, leading organisers to postpone the annual event until Saturday.

Hundreds of spectators lined the banks on Saturday to see 30 teams from businesses and organisations take part in the contest, organised by York Rotary Club.

Officials have spoken previously of the “massive undertaking” needed to re-organise the deferred race, but a spokesman said yesterday it had proved a huge success, with defending champions, Todd’s Torpedoes, of Herbert Todd & Son, repeating last year’s success.

“This was a particularly special occasion as 2012 is the 10th anniversary of the original Dragon Boat Challenge held in 2003, having been held annually since that time and raising well over £600,000 for a whole host of worthwhile charitiies, and it is also the 800th anniversary of the charter, granted by King John in 1212, establishing York as a self-governing city.”