Fair weather for the dragon boat challenge
Sunday 2nd July saw Chichester Priory Rotary’s Dragon Boat Challenge held on Chichester Canal, raising much needed funds for Cancerwise and other local charities. The well established annual event, combined with fine weather, led to large crowds flocking to the canal. 
The atmosphere was electric with competitors and visitors cheering along the water’s edge from the Canal Basin to PonytzBridge. The earliest had arrived well before 10 a.m. to set up their chairs in pole viewing position!
With so many people enjoying what the canal has to offer, Canal Trust volunteers did a fantastic job, especially those in the cafe, where there was a constant queue for refreshments. 
Lynda Hunter, a Canal Trustee said “It was wonderful to welcome Priory Rotary, the teams and their supporters to the canal for a super community event. We thank all of the volunteers for giving up so much of their time, and of course our very own Canal Canardlies dragon boat team. I was delighted to meet with the Mayor, Craig Gershater, and his wife, who told me they are keen to do more to promote the canal throughout the city”.
Prizes were presented by the Mayor with 1st prize (adult class) awarded to the Red Caps, who narrowly beat the Valhalla Dragons. Cancerwise Dragons scooped the prize for best fancy dress, which was pirate themed. In the junior class, Westbourne Explorers beat 1st Barnham Scouts in the final – a very fine effort by all.
Photographs by the canal volunteer media team
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