Businesses from across Liverpool city region are being invited to battle it out for the chance to be crowned Liverpool dragon boat champions 2022

Corporate teams are being invited to enter the races at the Dragon Boat festival taking place in Liverpool on Saturday, July 2.

Talking place at Princes Dock in Liverpool Waters, the event will offer food, drink and entertainment as well as a series of dragon boat races.

Dragon boat racing originated in ancient China. It is now the fastest growing water sports in the world. In recent years it has become a favourite among corporates for its team building benefits.

During a dragon boat race, teams compete in crews of up to 16 people. They sit in pairs in the canoe-like vessels which are fitted with ornately carved dragon heads and tails. The teams paddle to compete in races over distances of around 250m.

The UK Corporate Dragon Boat Series is made up of four events taking place across the UK this summer. They are in Abingdon on May 28, Liverpool on July 2, Milton Keynes on July 16 and Nottingham on August 7.

Finalists from each series will be invited to battle it out in the Grand Final in September in London. Medals will be awarded to the top three teams and there will also be an award for each event winner.

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Ryan Johnson, director of sport and communications for UK Corporate Sport and Events, said: “We’re really excited to bring the UK Corporate Dragon Boat Series to Princes Dock. Dragon boat racing has loads of great benefits for businesses and their employees.

“It’s great for team building, networking, brand exposure, improving employee health and wellbeing and increasing morale. It will be a fantastic day out so get your crew together, enter your dragon boat racing team and join us.”

Each corporate team will be entered into a minimum of three races on International one class racing Dragon Boats. Standard entry costs £950 +VAT for a squad of 19. Gold and Platinum packages are also available, as well as event sponsorship opportunities. Boats, buoyancy aids, paddles and helmets are all provided and no experience is necessary.

Liza Marco, assets manager at Liverpool Waters owner Peel L&P, added: “The Corporate Dragon Boat festival is just one of the fantastic events that we have lined up at Princes Dock this summer. It will be a great day out for the whole family, as well as for businesses and work colleagues.”

For more information on how to enter a team, emailinfo@corporatesport.events, call 01733 838444 or visit UK Corporate Dragon Boat Series Liverpool 2022.