Walgreens Chicagoland International Dragon Boat Festival 2017 - Illinois

***Registration for this event is only for general volunteers!** Paddlers are already set for this year's Team Blue.

The Chicago International Dragon Boat Festival blends ancient culture with the excitement of sport and competition, transforming Lake Arlington Park into the host venue for this high-energy day of racing. With festival grounds just a short drive from downtown Chicago, it’s no surprise that this event has grown to become one of the most popular destinations on the MLDB map for US and Canadian teams alike.

In 2015, Lake Arlington also welcomed the USDBF Club Crew National Championships, during which teams fought for a berth at the 2016 IDBF CNCC World Championships. This year's event will go back to a one-day festival format, but you can still expect to compete against the nation's best paddlers as well as many visiting Canadian teams.

In addition to its prime location on and off the water, this festival is proud to support Adaptive Adventures, a charity dedicated to improving the quality of life of individuals with disabilities, through year-round adaptive sports and recreation programs.  

Spectators and paddlers are welcome to explore the Ascene Chicago Cultural Village or try out products and services from the Health and Wellness Village. Paddlers will have their own zone to relax and get race-ready in the Athletes’ Village.

What is Dragon Boat Racing?

Dragon Boating, a sport founded in China over 2000 years ago, started as an international sport in 1976 in Hong Kong and has a worldwide participation of over 50 million competitors.  Dragon boats are fast and powerful recognized for the camaraderie, strength and endurance fostered amongst the team.

 The crew for the Hong Kong class dragon boat is typically 22, made up from 20 paddlers in pairs facing toward the bow (front) of the boat, 1 'drummer or caller' at the bow facing toward the paddlers creates the heartbeat and rhythm of the boat, and 1 sweep (steerer) standing at the rear of the boat controlling its track.

Benefits of Dragon Boat Racing

Dragon Boat racing is a fun team-building activity and participating in a dragon boat event can benefit warriors, family, caregivers, and others in numerous ways.


- Dragon Boating creates an inclusive environment.

- People of all ages and fitness levels can participate.

- The nature of the sport emphasizes unity and working together.

- Driving towards the finish line produces energy, enthusiasm and motivation.

- Paddlers communicate by cheering each other on.

- The sport encourages leaders to move to the forefront.

- Twenty paddlers in one boat = increased camaraderie.

Dragon boat races feature an exhilarating combination of premier sport competition in concert with an entertainment showcase for corporations, community organizations, and families.  This is your opportunity to be at the forefront of representing warriors and disabled veterans and their supporters.

What to bring:

• Drink bottle

• Towel

• Raingear

• Change of clothes (just in case)

Questions?

E-mail Greg Zebrzezny