2016 Event Guide.

Transcription

1 2016 Event Guide

2 GWN never expected that over 500 teams would compete at Walgreens Major League Dragon Boat events in We are invigorated by the flood of support for the series and excited for what is in store for With the growth of clubs and the continuous exposure of the sport to new communities, the new season is sure to see incredible racing and off-the-hook festival experiences. Walgreens Major League Dragon Boat continues to evolve and develop its nine unique events. Whether it s a sport regatta you re after or a community festival, the series has an event perfect for your crew. Walgreens MLDB boasts some of the most popular dragon boat festivals in their respective communities and is constantly on the hunt to develop the sport in new ones. A highlight of 2016 is the expansion of Walgreens MLDB to Colorado Springs. With the beauty of the Rockies as a backdrop and the US Olympic Committee HQ just a short walk away from the course, this event promises to be an instant favorite for those looking for great competition and a sport-tourism experience. Other highlights include the free Breast Cancer Survivor division at the GWN Dragon Boat Challenge and the growth of great racing in Chicago. With lots of news and enhancements still to roll out, the new season is set to surpass this year s racing at Walgreens MLDB events. On behalf of the entire GWN Team, we want to thank you for your support in 2015 and wish you a healthy and safe off-season. We hope this guide will assist you in your planning for 2016 and we look forward to seeing you at your favorite Walgreens MLDB event. See you on the water, Team GWN WALGREENS MLDB REWARDS The Walgreens MLDB Rewards program rewards teams who participate in multiple GWN events by offering a discounted rate. The more Walgreens MLDB events you participate in, the more you ll save on each event registration. HOW IT WORKS Register your team* for a second Walgreens MLDB event and save $100 on that event s registration fee. Register your team* for a third Walgreens MLDB event and save $200 on the third event s registration fee. The more events you participate in, the more savings will stack up. You could save up to $3,600! Please contact GWN prior to registering. 1st Event Regular Rate 2nd Event $100 off 3rd Event $200 off (total savings of $300) 4th Event $300 off (total savings of $600) 5th Event $400 off (total savings of $1,000) 6th Event $500 off (total savings of $1,500) 7th Event $600 off (total savings of $2,100) 8th Event $700 off (total savings of $2,800) 9th Event $800 off (total savings of $3,600) EVENT LEGEND PFD Optional Sport & Community Divisions Industry Cups Food & Beverage PFD Required Multi-Distance Racing Team Tent Included Beer Garden Inflatable PFDs Allowed Breast Cancer Survivor Division Kids Zone Live Entertainment WIN YOUR ENTRY TO ORLANDO! Please contact GWN before registering your team. A Championship Final Winners of Mixed, Women s and Open at a Walgreens MLDB event will receive free entry to the Walgreens Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival! 2nd place receives 50% off and 3rd place receives 25% off, with the exception of events held with Sport Division and Community Divisions, where entries will be awarded in Sport Divisions only. *In a division with 5 teams or less, no entries will be awarded. In a Division with only 6-8 teams, only 1st Place will be awarded. In a Division of 9 or more teams, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place will be awarded. * For Women s and Open teams, the Walgreens MLDB Rewards program only applies to events where the entry fee is the same as the mixed team fees. 2

3 WHERE WILL DRAGON BOAT TAKE YOU? Walgreens Major League Dragon Boat takes you to various North American destinations. Make travel easy by booking with one of our travel partners. Additionally, discover special accommodation room blocks only available to participants for each Walgreens MLDB event. Delta Airlines Save 5%-10% on airfare travel within the U.S. and between U.S. and Canada. Book directly on delta.com, be sure to include meeting code NMMJP. Hertz Rent-a-Car Save up to 40% on rentals. At the time of reservation, meeting rates will be automatically compared to other Hertz rates and the best rate will apply. Book directly on hertz.com, be sure to include CV#022L4581. GWN EARTH DRAGONS Rounding up a group of 20 people is tough. That s exactly why we created the Earth Dragons. This team is designed for single paddlers, couples, and partial crews that want to compete at a Walgreens MLDB event but can t fill a boat. The team is a perfect opportunity to try the sport or to introduce a friend, family member, or co-worker to the sport. It s also a great alternative for teams that want to continue their paddling season but don t have a full crew to carry on. HOW IT WORKS GWN will group you with paddlers of a similar experience level and supply all equipment (boat, paddles, and lifejackets) all you have to do is show up in clothes that can get wet and be ready to race! EARTH DRAGONS NEAR YOU! New Orleans, LA - May 14, 2016 Chicago, IL - July 30, 2016 Richmond, VA - August 6, 2016 Colorado Springs, CO - August 27, 2016 Toronto, ON - September 10 & 11, 2016 Princeton, NJ - September 17, 2016 Orlando, FL - October 15, 2016 WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE FEE? Each paddler pays $65 plus any applicable local taxes. This fee covers: Entry into the event 1-hour practice with a GWN coach Access to the Earth Dragons team tent Earth Dragons team shirt Visit gwndragonboat.com/earthdragons. 3

4 WALGREENS SPACE COAST DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL April 16th, 2016 Nestled on the Banana River in Cape Canaveral, this festival kick-starts the Walgreens MLDB Series with exciting multi-distance racing. Attracting Central Florida s competitive crews, it s the perfect launch pad for the paddling season. Sport Division teams will have the opportunity to race all three distances: 200m, 500m, and the 2K. While the Community Division provides an opportunity for newer teams to test the sport racing waters with 200m and 500m races. Following the same format as the GWN Sport Regatta, a summer favorite in Toronto, Space Coast is a classic for competitive teams in the south and visiting paddlers participating in spring training camps. If you are looking for intense competitive racing of all three distances, this event is perfect for you. If you want to step up your team s game and try out the sport-racing format, the Community Division is a perfect introduction. NASA, the beaches at Space Coast and shopping. Cocoa Beach Pier Victory Casino Cruise Ship, and 45 minutes from theme parks. Manatee Sanctuary Park, Cape Canaveral, Florida CHARITY The festival is proud to benefit Special Olympics Florida. For more information, visit specialolympicsflorida.org The Walgreens Space Coast Dragon Boat Festival provides a true sport racing experience for Central Florida teams looking to compete in distance racing. CATEGORY Sport Mixed, Women's, Open Sport Secondary Division (Women s or Open) team MUST consist of paddlers participating on a primary team Community Mixed, Women s Open with 1 practice RACES 2 x 200m, 2 x 500m, 1 x 2K 2 x 200m, 2 x 500m, 1 x 2K 1 x 200m, 2 x 500m JAN. 1ST MARCH 1ST AFTER MARCH 1ST $745 $845 $945 $345 $345 $345 $645 $745 $845 Practice $75 10x10 Tent $200 10x20 Tent $325 20x20 Tent $450 The host hotel is the Courtyard Cocoa Beach Cape Canaveral. Group rate is $139/night plus applicable taxes. For reservations call and quote GWN Dragon Boat before March 15, Visit gwndragonboat.com/spacecoast for more information. 4

5 WALGREENS GREATER NEW ORLEANS INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL May 14th, 2016 An action-packed day awaits your team on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain in picturesque Northshore - St. Tammany. This festival is the perfect blend of sport and culture making it a true destination for local and travelling crews. Celebrating its seventh year, the Walgreens Greater New Orleans International Dragon Boat Festival is held on Louisiana s scenic Northshore. Teams travel here to enjoy a day of racing in the cozy town of Madisonville, then take a short trip over the Causeway to New Orleans to celebrate on Bourbon Street. For the adventurous, this event draws teams who want to race and extend their stay to take in the sights, sounds and incredible southern tastes that Louisiana has to offer. Tammany Trace, Honey Island swamp, plantation and haunted tours, Bourbon Street, crawfish boils, Cajun-style cooking, live music, Preservation Hall, Otis House Museum, and more. CHARITY The festival is proud to benefit the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at St. Tammany Parish Hospital. For more information, visit marybird.org/stph Tchefuncte River, Madisonville, Louisiana CATEGORY (Registration Includes 10x10 Tent And 1 Practice) RACES MARCH 15TH AFTER MARCH 15TH Mixed, Women s, Open 3 x 500m $995 $1,395 Mixed, Women s, Open (Out-of-State) 3 x 500m $795 $995 Additional Practice $75 10x20 Tent Upgrade $200 20x20 Tent Upgrade $400 The host hotel is the Courtyard New Orleans Convington/Mandeville. Group rate is $80/night plus applicable taxes. For reservations call and quote GWN Dragon Boat before April 20, Visit gwndragonboat.com/neworleans for more information. 5

6 GWN SPORT REGATTA July 16th, 2016 Toronto s finest sport racing regatta sets the tone for the second half of the paddling season in Ontario. Returning for its 19th edition, this festival is the last chance for paddlers to fine tune before the 2016 Canadian Dragon Boat Championships. A longtime favourite of seasoned veterans, recreational crews have jumped on board for a more challenging race experience close to home. Marilyn Bell Park, Toronto, Ontario This midseason summer staple has a long history of attracting the best crews in Ontario and the surrounding region for an action-packed day of sport racing. Instead of deviating from its sport racing roots, the added Community Division continues to enhance the talent pool and competitive field. Many teams considering the jump to sport racing use the GWN Sport Regatta as an opportunity to experience the thrill of racing various distances. Conveniently located in downtown Toronto, it s an easy festival to race at on a summer weekend. Teams return for the grit of the event, a low-key set up they ve come to know and love, while enjoying the racing atmosphere they expect from a MLDB event. CATEGORY Sport Mixed, Women's, Open Sport Secondary Division (Women s or Open) team MUST consist of paddlers participating on a primary team Community Mixed, Women s, Open 10x10 Tent $200 10x20 Tent $350 20x20 Tent $550 CN Tower, Ripley s Aquarium of Canada, Royal Ontario Museum, Casa Loma, Distillery District, Kensington Market, Yorkville, Harbourfront, Hockey Hall of Fame, Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Islands, shopping and more. RACES 2 x 200m, 2 x 500m, 1 x 2K 2 x 200m, 2 x 500m, 1 x 2K 1 x 200m, 2 x 500m JANUARY 1ST MAY 1ST AFTER MAY 1ST $745 $845 $945 $345 $345 $345 $595 $695 $795 The host hotels are the Westin Harbour Castle Toronto and Bond Place Hotel. Group rates are $170/night and $130/night plus applicable taxes, respectively. For reservations call and , respectively, and quote GWN Sport Regatta 2016 before June 14, Visit gwndragonboat.com/gwnsport for more information. 6

7 IF YOU WANT IT, WORK FOR IT APRIL WESTGATE LAKES RESORT ORLANDO, FL GWNDRAGONBOAT.COM/CAMP GWN-BOAT ( )

8 WALGREENS CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL July 30th, 2016 Expect the competition to intensify at this award-winning festival. After successfully hosting the 2015 USDBF Club Crew National Championships and ADBA Regional Championship, word has spread about this midwest dragon boat treasure. teams can extend their stay to enjoy one of the country s greatest cities. After hosting the 2015 USDBF CCNCs, the festival returns to its regular festival format, but you can still expect to compete against the nation s best paddlers as well as many visiting Canadian teams. Enjoy a bustling festival grounds with the Walgreens Health and Wellness Village, lively performances at the Ascene Chicago Cultural Village, and experience the fun and camaraderie in the Athletes Village. Arlington Park Race Course, Mitsuwa Japanese Marketplace, Sears Tower, John Hancock Building, Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, Michigan Avenue, deep-dish pizza, Chicago White Sox, shopping and more. Lake Arlington, Arlington Heights, Illinois Entering its fifth year, this festival s ability to attract teams from neighboring states and Canada have made it a bona fide competitive destination on the dragon boat map. Just a short drive from dynamic downtown Chicago, visiting CHARITY The festival is proud to benefit Adaptive Adventures. For more information, visit adaptiveadventures.org CATEGORY RACES JAN. 1ST MAY 1ST AFTER MAY 1ST Mixed, Women s, Open w/o practice 3 x 500m $745 $845 $945 Mixed, Women s, Open with 1 practice 3 x 500m $845 $945 $1,045 Mixed, Women s, Open (Out-of-State) 3 x 500m $745 $745 $845 Combination Women s or Open (Team consists of all paddlers participating in a primary team) 3 x 500m $350 $350 $350 Practice $75 10x10 Tent $285 10x20 Tent $400 20x20 Tent $550 The host hotels are the Courtyard Chicago Arlington Heights/North and Courtyard Chicago Arlington Heights/South. Group rate for both properties is $91/night plus applicable taxes. For reservations call and quote GWN Dragon Boat before July 7, Visit gwndragonboat.com/chicago for more information. 8

9 WALGREENS RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL August 6th, 2016 Team spirit and community rivalry take center stage at the liveliest festival of the Walgreens MLDB series. Local crews battle it out for the coveted Community Championship trophy, while giving top East Coast crews a run for their money. CATEGORY (Registration Includes 10x10 Tent And 1 Practice) RACES Rocketts Landing, Richmond, Virginia One of Frommers Top Destinations for 2014, the City of Richmond is a hotbed of history, attractions, activities and dragon boating. Embraced by the local community, teams here take competition to the next level with memorable uniforms, costumes, and decorated tents. Its central location on the US East Coast make it a great option for crews in neighboring states to add more racing to their season. Competitive teams from all over the eastern seaboard and beyond unite with local crews to enjoy a day of racing and festival elements such as the Walgreens Health and Wellness Village, cultural performances, and beer garden. Teams participating in Mercer County can sign up for this regional race and take advantage of discounts through Walgreens MLDB Rewards. Civil War Trails, 17th Street Farmers Market, Edgar Allan Poe Museum, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, River District, white water rafting, local craft breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, shopping and more. JAN. 1ST MAY 1ST JUNE 1ST AFTER JUNE 1ST Mixed, Women s, Open 3 x 500m $995 $1,095 $1,295 $1,595 Mixed, Women s, Open (Out-of-State) 3 x 500m $795 $895 $995 $1,195 Additional Practice $75 10x20 Tent Upgrade $200 20x20 Tent Upgrade $400 The host hotel is the Richmond Marriott. Group rate is $129/night plus applicable taxes. For reservations call and quote GWN Dragon Boat before July 11, Visit gwndragonboat.com/richmond for more information. 9

10 Start the season with a new paddle. Team discounts available. The lowest prices on dragon boat paddles in North America or GWN-BOAT (2628)

11 WALGREENS COLORADO SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL August 27th, 2016 Chinese culture, paddling, and natural wonders collide at the inaugural Walgreens Colorado Springs International Dragon Boat Festival. In the heart of the Pikes Peak region, the city of Colorado Springs welcomes paddlers old and new to Prospect Lake. INTERNATIONAL COLORADO SPRINGS FESTIVAL International Dragon Boat Festival is no different! The newest event on the calendar introduces the sport to a vibrant and active outdoor community, creating just another opportunity to do what Colorado locals do best, get outside! Veteran paddlers can expect the quintessential elements they ve come to know at Walgreens MLDB events such as the Athletes Village, Walgreens Health and Wellness Village, Food Truck Bazaar, Retail Marketplace, and beer garden. Our newest location will draw paddlers wanting to race and extend their stay to explore the country s most diverse landscape! Prospect Lake at Memorial Park, Colorado Springs, Colorado Walgreens Major League Dragon Boat events are known for their ability to tap into the unique local flare of the region and the Walgreens Colorado Springs From the mild to the wild, this festival is sure to attract teams looking for adventure and mountain air, making it a guaranteed dragon boat destination. Expect breathtaking views, temperate weather, and a racing experience like no other. Garden of the Gods Park, Pikes Peak, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, United States Air Force Academy, National Museum of World War 2 Aviation, Red Rock Canyon, North Cheyenne Canon Park and Starsmore Discovery Center, Olympic Training Center, Old Colorado City Historic District, and more. CATEGORY (Registration Includes 10x10 Tent And 1 Practice) RACES JAN. 1ST JUNE 1ST AFTER JUNE 1ST Mixed, Women s, Open 3 x 500m $845 $945 $1,045 Mixed, Women s, Open (Out-of-State) 3 x 500m $745 $745 $845 Additional Practice $75 10x20 Tent Upgrade $200 20x20 Tent Upgrade $400 The host hotel is Hotel Elegante. Group rate is $102/night plus applicable taxes. For reservations call and quote GWN Dragon Boat Festival, code before August 15, Visit gwndragonboat.com/colorado for more information. 11

12 In need of team jerseys? 6-oz, 100% polyester Available in Men s and Women s Cut Men s: Crew Neck Women s: Scoop Neck Includes one colour print on front or back Sizing: XS- 4XL YOUR LOGO HERE Black Carolina Blue Coal Grey Deep Orange Extreme Orange Extreme Pink Extreme Yellow Forest Green Gold Kelly Green Lime Shock Maroon Purple True Navy True Red True Royal White Wild Raspberry Starting at $15 each Have your jerseys shipped in advance or picked up at Registration HQ Contact us: GWN-BOAT or info@gwndragonboat.com

13 GWN DRAGON BOAT CHALLENGE September 10th & 11th, 2016 Don t miss the final showdown in Central Canada, the GWN Dragon Boat Challenge. The pinnacle event of the Walgreens MLDB series is a highlight of the racing season, spanning two days in downtown Toronto. Marilyn Bell Park, Toronto, Ontario Running for over 20 years, this classic clash of the titans features top competitive crews battling for top spot. Look out for a diverse range of talent as teams come to compete on Toronto s waterfront from all over Canada and the US. Expect season-long rivalries to come to a head and old ones to be renewed! The GWN Dragon Boat Challenge is home to the Breast Cancer Survivor Village and offers free entry for its BCS Division. There is plenty to do and see at the festival throughout the weekend. A lively beer garden, interactive Kids Area, live music performances and the Health and Wellness Zone promise no dull moments will be had. The event is a true celebration of the sport and community. CN Tower, Ripley s Aquarium of Canada, Royal Ontario Museum, Casa Loma, Art Gallery of Ontario, Distillery District, Kensington Market, Yorkville, Harbourfront, Hockey Hall of Fame, Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Islands, shopping and more. CHARITY The festival is proud to benefit the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Ontario. For more information visit cbcf.org/ontario CATEGORY RACES JAN. 1ST APRIL 1ST MAY 1ST AFTER MAY 1ST Mixed Team* w/o Practice 4 x 500m $1,295 $1,395 $1,495 $1,595 Mixed Team* w/ 1 Practice 4 x 500m $1,345 $1,445 $1,545 $1,645 Open Team 2 x 500m $395 $395 $395 $395 Women's Team 2 x 500m $395 $395 $395 $395 Women's Team Entering Mixed Division w/o Practice 6 x 500m $1,295 $1,395 $1,495 $1,595 Women's Team Entering Mixed Division w/ 1 Practice 6 x 500m $1,345 $1,445 $1,545 $1,645 Breast Cancer Survivor Team** 4 x 500m Free Free Free Free Breast Cancer Survivor Team** Entering Women's Division 6 x 500m $395 $395 $395 $395 Out-of-Town*** 4 x 500m $1,045 $1,045 $1,245 $1,245 *Mixed Teams belonging to an industry have the opportunity to compete in a bonus Industry Cup Race. To be eligible, at least 70% of paddlers on a team must belong to the same industry. **BCS Teams: a fully refundable deposit of $200 plus HST is required at the time of registration. A refund cheque will be given to each Team Captain at Race Headquarters during Team Check-in. *** Out-of-Town Rate applies only if the team lives at least 100KM outside of Toronto. Practice $75 Practice Coach $75 10x10 Tent $285 10x20 Tent $400 20x20 Tent $650 The host hotel is the Westin Harbour Castle Toronto. Group rate is $180/ night plus applicable taxes. For reservations call and quote GWN Dragon Boat Challenge 2016 before August 9, Visit gwndragonboat.com/challenge for more information. 13

14 WALGREENS MERCER COUNTY DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL September 17th, 2016 Teams from all over the eastern region travel to Mercer County for east coast supremacy at this annual Fall classic. From recreational to competitive, the playing field is wide making the festival intense and fun. Mercer County Park, West Windsor, New Jersey A short drive from both New York and Philadelphia, the Walgreens Mercer County Dragon Boat Festival is a fixture on the dragon boat racing schedule. This east coast gem held in Mercer County Park offers both a Community and Sport Division. Teams are given the opportunity to compete at the training site of the US Olympic Rowing Team, and enjoy a world-class racing experience, course and equipment. The Walgreens Health and Wellness Village and other festival elements help ensure all-day fun for the whole family. Rockingham Historic Site, Princeton University, Mercer County Park, New York City, shopping and more. CATEGORY Sport Mixed, Women s, Open RACES 1 x 200m, 2 x 500m, 1 x 2K JAN. 1ST JUNE 1ST AFTER JUNE 1ST $745 $845 $945 Community Mixed, Women s, Open, BCS 3 x 500m $695 $795 $895 Practice $75 10x10 Tent $225 10x20 Tent $350 20x20 Tent $550 The host hotel is the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal. Group rate is $119/ night, plus applicable taxes. For reservations call and quote GWN Dragon Boat before August 5, Visit gwndragonboat.com/mercer for more information. 14

15 WALGREENS ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL October 15th, 2016 A truly international experience, Florida s marquee festival attracts crews from all over North America and beyond. Compete against the most diverse pool of talent at the Walgreens MLDB season-culminating Championship. Festival is the largest event in Florida attended by more than 70 teams. Expect buzzing festival grounds with the Walgreens Health and Wellness Village, Food Truck Bazaar, Asia Trend Cultural Village, Athletes Village, Kids Area, and beer garden. The festival delivers an unforgettable day of competition, including a 2k pursuit for top Mixed crews (a favorite among spectators) and 100m racing for top Women and Open crews. Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, Walt Disney World Resort, Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, Wet n Wild, Kennedy Space Center, beaches and Premium Outlets. Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake, Orlando, Florida Take part in the ultimate Walgreens MLDB championship, an international showcase of paddlers hungry for the opportunity to stretch their racing season to the max. The Walgreens Orlando International Dragon Boat CHARITY The festival is proud to support the Orlando Health Foundation. All funds will directly benefit the UF Health Cancer Center at Orlando Health. For more information, visit orlandohealth.com CATEGORY AFTER (Registration Includes 10 x10 Tent And 1 Practice) RACES JAN. 1ST JULY 1ST JULY 1ST Mixed, Women's, Open (Orlando) 3 x 500m $1,350 $1,450 $1,650 Mixed, Women's, Open (Out-of-Town)* 3 x 500m $1,100 $1,200 $1,400 Mixed, Women's, Open (Out-of-Country) 3 x 500m $850 $950 $1,150 Breast Cancer Survivor (Orlando) 3 x 500m $1,350 $1,450 $1,650 Breast Cancer Survivor (Out-of-Town)* 3 x 500m $1,100 $1,200 $1,400 Breast Cancer Survivor (Out-of-Country) 3 x 500m $850 $950 $1,150 * Out-of-Town Rate applies only if the team lives at least 150 miles outside of Orlando. Additional Practice $75 10x20 Tent Upgrade $200 20x20 Tent Upgrade $400 The host hotels are Universal s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Group rates are $109/ night, $179/night, and $269/night plus applicable taxes, respectively. For reservations call and quote GWN Dragon Boat before September 5, Visit gwndragonboat.com/orlando for more information. 15

16 WISHING YOU LUCK FOR THE 2016 DRAGON BOAT SEASON. PROUD SPONSOR OF MAJOR LEAGUE DRAGON BOAT EVENTS SINCE 2010.