The Ottawa Ice Dragon Boat Festival took place Saturday, February 18th, 2017 on the Rideau Canal Skateway at Dow’s Lake. Athletes and spectators made history when they converged in the Nation’s Capital for this unforgettable event.
Welcomed as and official partner of the 39th edition of Winterlude the Ottawa Ice Dragon Boat Festival worked in partnership with the International Ice Dragon Boat Federation Series, Canadian Heritage and NCC to present non-stop action celebrating Canada’s 150th Anniversary.
Thousands of spectators came to the Rideau Canal Skateway at Dow’s Lake to watch 60 teams participate in the world’s largest Ice Dragon Boat Festival, and the very first in North America. Going into the event, interest and excitement was evident as registration sold out in 10 minutes.
A traditional Chinese Lion Dance began the Opening Ceremony with dignitaries and special guests welcoming athletes and spectators to this first ever event. The official eye dotting ceremony was performed to awaken the dragon and commence the festivities. First to take the ice was the National Team who competed in a commemorative exhibition race followed by the inaugural Shiver & Giver Fundraising Races prior to the official race schedule beginning. The day got off to a quick start with jubilant crowds and times under 60 seconds. As the day progressed and the sun took its toll on the ice which was reflected with slower times but that didn’t dampen the spirit of the competitors, in fact it seemed to spur on an out pouring of sportsmanship and enthusiasm as teams and spectators cheered competitors on to the finish.
In a reflection of the host city and Nation, the integrity, diversity and passion of both competitors and crowd set the perfect tone for this historic festival and lays the foundation for an annual tradition that will celebrate sport, culture and both the local and global community.
Here is the list of race winners:
Mixed Division:
1st place: The Valecraft Velocity
2nd place: Ottawa Dragon Masters
3rd place: Skittles on Ice
Women’s Division:
1st place: Galley Girls 1
2nd place: Sportchicks
3rd place: Vermont Fire
For more information, visit https://www.icedragonboat.ca/, follow @IceDragonBoat on Twitter
About the Ottawa Ice Dragon Boat Festival
The first ever Ottawa Ice Dragon Boat Festival took place on February 18th, 2017. The festival was a smashing success, becoming the largest Ice Dragon Boat Festival in the world with 60 teams participating and thousands of spectators in attendance. Races went on throughout the day with dignitaries and special guests attending.
