One of the largest cities in Canada, Mississauga has recently begun to take part in one of the fastest growing sports in the world in terms of popularity, dragon boat racing. In fact, the city officially began its own dragon boat racing regatta in 2003, and the event has grown steadily ever since. Let's take a look at how the event came together.

Dragon boat racing

In order to truly understand the appeal of the regatta, it's important to understand dragon boat racing itself. As you might guess, the term dragon boat refers to an ancient Chinese method of transportation by using a long and narrow canoe powered by human rowers. Racing the dragon boats requires an incredible amount of strength and stamina, and the boats themselves may be powered by one, two, three, or more rowers depending on the race. In regattas, dragon boats are always decorated with dragon heads and tails, and have to carry a drum aboard. The drum is used to establish a rhythm for the rowers and is one of the most unique aspects of this sport.

It is the skill and the strength required to power a dragon boat that have been behind the rise of the sport all over the world. Truly committed rowers are probably among the fittest in the population.

The Mississauga Canoe Club

The idea of the annual Mississauga Dragon Boat races was conceived through the Mississauga Canoe Club, itself with a long history of training and racing world class rowing athletes. The very first races were held in June of 2003, and the number of participants has grown to include hundreds of entrants from all over the world. In fact, Mississauga's races are set to rival neighbour St. Catharine's Royal Henry Regatta in another couple of years insofar as attendance.

If you are interested in watching, or even better in participating in one of the world's oldest and most physically demanding sports, then think about coming to Mississauga in June. The races take place on the Credit River, and there are opportunities for individuals to compete as well as a full range of team competitions. Fans will truly find the annual Mississauga Dragon Boat races to be the very best that competition has to offer.