Willing volunteers, generous sponsors, enthusiastic paddlers, dedicated partners - all have a critical role to play that can result in win-win outcomes. The sport also allows communities to breathe new life into waterfront areas and stimulate local economy.

The colourful dragon boats, the excitement of a competition that can include large numbers of participants in teams, a celebration of the outdoors, and a carnival atmosphere that can include a variety of land activities that can keep people of all ages gainfully occupied in between heart-thumping races – all these combine to deliver a winning community event.