Dragon boat challenge at dock

Aug 31 2007 by Paula Owens, Liverpool Daily Post

FOUR hundred youngsters will take part in a dragon boat racing event organised by Merseyside police near the Albert Dock today.

Twenty-four teams, each with 17 members, will participate in the challenge which take places at the Salthouse Dock.

The initiative, expected to become a yearly fixture, was introduced by Merseyside Police Chief Constable Bernard Hogan-Howe, who is launching the event.

Each team will be accompanied by local police officers and the tournament winners will be challenged by Mr Hogan-Howe to race against his team of chief officers. One of the fastest-growing team sports in the country, dragon boating has ancient Chinese origins and the event also celebrates the contribution to Liverpool life by the city’s Chinese community.

The event begins at 10am at the Salthouse Dock staging area.