News Summary
Beaufort will host the 12th Annual DragonBoat Beaufort Race Day at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, featuring 28 teams competing for awards while raising funds for local cancer patients. This year introduces a children’s scavenger hunt and recognizes team spirit through various events. The primary fundraiser aims to collect $80,000 to support essential needs for cancer patients. With a vibrant atmosphere and community involvement, the event showcases unity in the fight against cancer.
Beaufort will host the 12th Annual DragonBoat Beaufort Race Day on Saturday, June 28, at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. This dynamic event, beginning at 8 a.m., is set to raise funds for local cancer patients while showcasing the skills of 28 participating teams, including newcomers from both the community and out-of-town.
The race day will kick off with a parade featuring drummers, scheduled approximately 15 minutes before the races begin. Throughout the day, paddlers will compete for a variety of awards, such as the Team Spirit Award, Best Decorated Tent, Best T-shirt Design, Best Drummer Costume, and fundraising awards for teams, drummers, and individuals.
This year marks the introduction of a special scavenger hunt for children titled “Tale of the Dragonheart,” adding an exciting new dimension to the day’s festivities. As part of the event’s tradition, DragonBoat Beaufort will present the Kelsey Kup, honoring a team member’s daughter-in-law who sadly lost her battle with cancer. This award recognizes team spirit, fostering camaraderie among participants.
As the primary fundraiser for DragonBoat Beaufort, the Race Day is critical in providing essential financial assistance to local cancer patients, helping cover costs not reimbursed by insurance. The funds raised can be used for rent, gas cards for treatment access, and grocery cards for patients facing financial hardship. The organization has set a fundraising goal of $80,000 for this year’s event. As of press time, just over $79,000 has been raised, with hopes to surpass last year’s total. The 2024 race day also aimed for $80,000 but successfully garnered over $90,000.
The event is co-sponsored by the City of Beaufort and is presented by Modern Jewelers as the Platinum Sponsor. The Racing Day activities will continue until 4 p.m., concluding with an awards ceremony that recognizes team efforts and achievements.
Participants and spectators are encouraged to stay connected with the event through updates available on the official website. The DragonBoat organization supports not only cancer survivors but also provides immediate assistance to individuals in need, ensuring that funds impact the community quickly and effectively.
DragonBoat Beaufort emphasizes community involvement, as evidenced by the diversity of registered teams hailing from various regions. The day promises to be a celebration of unity and resilience, all while contributing positively to local cancer care. The active participation from both the local community and visiting teams reflects a unified stand against cancer, fostering hope and support for those affected by the disease.
The 12th Annual DragonBoat Beaufort Race Day serves as a reminder of the strength found within a community rallying together for a common cause. By participating in this event, individuals contribute to an essential service that significantly impacts the lives of those battling cancer.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort County Announces Summer Events and Festivals
Beaufort County Gears Up for a Summer of Events
Beaufort County’s Summer Events and Festivals
Summer Events and Festivals in Beaufort County
Additional Resources
- Your Island News: Rowing for a Cause
- Wikipedia: Dragon boat
- Island Packet: Beaufort News
- Google Search: DragonBoat Beaufort
- Your Island News: Dragonboats Rule Beaufort River
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dragon boating
- Bluffton Today: Dragonboat Beaufort Paddles Against Cancer
- Google News: Beaufort DragonBoat Race
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
