The countdown is on for the Air Ambulance NI Dragon Boat Race on Friday 19th June. This popular event is always a favourite amongst local businesses and organisations looking a team-building day with a purpose. The life-saving charity is putting out a final call for registrations with only four team places remaining.
Taking place in the heart of Belfast, the popular corporate fundraising event will bring together 20 teams to race in authentic dragon boats along the River Lagan in support of Air Ambulance NI. Businesses taking part can expect an unforgettable afternoon of team-building, competition, music, food and riverside entertainment; all while helping to raise vital funds that will directly help deliver critical pre-hospital care.
Each dragon boat holds up to 18 people, making it an ideal opportunity for companies to reward staff, strengthen team spirit and enjoy a unique day out together.
Bebhionn Hardy from Air Ambulance NI said:
“This is a fantastic team-building afternoon for corporates across Northern Ireland. We’ll have a riverside DJ and BBQ, and certificates for all teams. What’s more, there are a series of trophies up for grabs including best dressed team, top fundraising team, and of course the coveted title of overall winner.”
“We are down to our final four places, so we’d really encourage businesses to get involved now before the event sells out completely. It’s a brilliant opportunity to get colleagues together for something fun and memorable while supporting your Air Ambulance. April was a particularly busy month for the service, with the medical team being called out 70 times. That’s an average of over 2.3 critical emergencies every single day. All funds raised through the Dragon Boat Race will help the crew reach critically ill and injured people as we head into summer which is always the busiest period of the year for the Air Ambulance.”
Hosted by Bryson Lagan Sports, the event promises a professionally run and action-packed day on the water, with teams battling it out for fastest time and ultimate bragging rights.
Returning to defend their title are last year’s champions, Mango Direct Marketing. Stuart Lally, CEO of Mango, commented:
“We’re incredibly proud to be returning to the River Lagan to defend our Dragon Boat Race title in support of Air Ambulance Northern Ireland. Last year was an unforgettable experience for the whole team, not only did we bring home the trophy, but we also helped raise vital funds for a service that saves lives across Northern Ireland, all year round.
This year, we’re aiming even higher and we’d love to see more local businesses get involved. The Dragon Boat Race is a brilliant opportunity for companies to come together, have a lot of fun, bond as a team, and most importantly support an incredible cause. Air Ambulance NI needs to raise £3 million annually to keep their helicopters flying, so every team on the water can make a real difference.
We’re raring to get back in the boat and, after finishing with the fastest time in four years last year, we’re wondering if there are any companies out there who can beat us!”
Registration costs £650 per team, which works out at just over £36 per person for a full boat of 18 participants. Teams are also encouraged to raise a minimum of £1,500 to help Air Ambulance NI continue delivering emergency medical interventions directly to critically ill or injured patients when every second counts.
To sign your team up go to www.airambulanceni.org/dragon-boat-race or for further information contact bebhionn.hardy@airambulanceni.org
Air Ambulance NI works in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service to deliver vital pre-hospital care through the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service. The service brings urgent medical interventions directly to critically ill and injured patients within 25 minutes of an emergency call. Operating seven days a week, 12 hours per day.