A TEAM of paddleboarding enthusiasts from Stratford were crowned winners at The Shakespeare Hospice’s annual Dragon Boat Race on Sunday (October 16).
In a gripping finale, hundreds of spectators stood along the banks of the Avon to see SUP Stratford take the title with a time of 58.30 seconds, beating their nearest rivals, the Hungarian Horntails, by just 0.35 seconds.
Seventeen teams took part in different races throughout the day, with the four fastest teams going through to the grand final.
The event, which was delayed by a month following the death of the Queen, has raised almost £25,000 for The Shakespeare Hospice.
SUP Stratford captain, Helen Clayton, said: “I was hoping we would be in the final, and hoping we would at least finish third, but I never thought we were going to win. We’re all a bit overwhelmed. It’s an amazing feeling and I’m so, so proud of the team. I would definitely recommend this event to anyone. It’s great for team building and it’s great to get everyone together. It’s been a really fun day overall and we’ll be back next year.”
While Bridget Richards, Events and Community Fundraiser at The Shakespeare Hospice, said: “Having to postpone the event by a month was a really difficult decision for us, so we are incredibly appreciative of all of the teams who took part today, for their patience and understanding. It was definitely worth the wait, as it was a hugely exciting day with all of the teams giving it their all out on the river.
“We are delighted with how much money we have raised, which will be essential in ensuring that those with life-limiting illnesses in South Warwickshire continue to receive much-needed end of life and palliative care. I want to thank everyone who made the event such a success. I especially want to thank Stratford Boat Club and Dragon Boat Events for their continued support of this event. We hope to see even more teams next year.”
