Dragon boat racers raise £1,000
wun hung lo | 05.03.2008 14:23
FUTURE Army officers braved cold temperatures to celebrate the start of the Chinese New Year in style and raise cash for charity.
The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, home for centuries to the finest traditions of British Army officer training, hosted a very different type of event – dragon boat racing.
Gaza Company, consisting of almost 90 officer cadets in their final term of training, organised the races to raise funds for the Academy’s three nominated charities – Hopes and Homes for Children, the Portesbury special needs school in Camberely and the Army Benevolent Fund.
On the chilly February day, twelve teams went head to head in boats borrowed from the Royal Marines, which each hold 20 oarsmen.
Following timed trials, officer cadets from 8 Pl Burma went on to win the grand final and were crowned the first Academy Dragon Boat Champions.
Talking after the event, which coincided with the start of the Chinese New Year of the pig, Major Mike Campbell thanked all those who took part.
“As ever, the cadets did us proud - braving hypothermia in the name of a cheap laugh,” he said.
“The aim was definitely achieved in that everyone had a good time and over £1,000 was raised for the three charities.”
The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, home for centuries to the finest traditions of British Army officer training, hosted a very different type of event – dragon boat racing.
Gaza Company, consisting of almost 90 officer cadets in their final term of training, organised the races to raise funds for the Academy’s three nominated charities – Hopes and Homes for Children, the Portesbury special needs school in Camberely and the Army Benevolent Fund.
On the chilly February day, twelve teams went head to head in boats borrowed from the Royal Marines, which each hold 20 oarsmen.
Following timed trials, officer cadets from 8 Pl Burma went on to win the grand final and were crowned the first Academy Dragon Boat Champions.
Talking after the event, which coincided with the start of the Chinese New Year of the pig, Major Mike Campbell thanked all those who took part.
“As ever, the cadets did us proud - braving hypothermia in the name of a cheap laugh,” he said.
“The aim was definitely achieved in that everyone had a good time and over £1,000 was raised for the three charities.”
wun hung lo