CANCER SERVICES RECEIVES DONATION FROM DRAGON BOAT RACES/ RIVERPALOOZA EVENT – Message From The Mayor

City of Fort Wayne leaders and organizers and sponsors of this past spring’s Dragon Boat Races/Riverpalooza event recently presented a check for $10,000 to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana.

We’re honored to be able to assist Cancer Services in their efforts to make a meaningful difference for individuals and families in our community. Fort Wayne is fortunate to have organizations like Cancer Services who work each day to improve the quality of life for those experiencing challenges.

Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana has been serving people diagnosed with cancer and their families since 1944. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life of those affected by cancer by providing meaningful resources, information and compassionate assistance. Each year, client advocates at Cancer Services serve more than 2,500 people with cancer.

Donations were also presented to the Glorious Gates Rowing Association and the Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council.

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The title sponsor of the Dragon Boat Races/Riverpalooza was Parkview Regional Medical Center. Participating sponsors were Greater Fort Wayne Inc., Lincoln Financial Group, and Steel Dynamics. The media sponsor was 21Alive. The unique event was presented by my Youth Engagement Council to provide an opportunity for the public to enjoy the outdoors, our rivers, and all that our City has to offer.

Dragon Boat Racing is a rapidly growing sport that combines rich Chinese traditions, competition, teamwork and fun. Often, dragon boats are emblazoned with bright colors, dragon scales, and a dragon head and tail. Typical dragon boats are 46 feet long and feature 20 paddlers, a drummer, and a steersman. During the course of the race, the job of the drummer is to keep an effective beat in order to synchronize the paddlers. Actual races are usually between 200-2000 meters and can last up to 10 minutes.

Plans are also underway for the 2016 Dragon Boat Races event, which will take place on Saturday, June 25 in downtown Fort Wayne. Anyone interested in participating or being a sponsor may contact Karen Richards with the City of Fort Wayne at (260) 427-2146 and karen.richards@cityoffortwayne.org.