Grant buys second dragon boat

The Wellington District Lions Club celebrated the announcement of a $15,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant at an open house earlier this week.

“This grant will enable our club to purchase a second dragon boat.  The second boat will permit even more community members of all ages to take up the sport of dragon boating,” said Janet Marissen, president of the Wellington Lions Club. “We are so thankful for the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s commitment to providing opportunities for fun and fitness through the provision of funds to purchase the needed boat, steering oar, paddles and life jackets.”

“I am pleased the Wellington District Lions Club has been awarded with OTF funding for the purpose of purchasing a new dragon boat,” said Todd Smith, MPP for Prince Edward Hastings. “The Dragon Boat Festival is a popular event in Wellington and I know this will be a great addition to the club and the festival. Dragon Boat Racing is a growing sport and with this grant, more people can continue enjoy it for years to come.”

Dragon boating began in Prince Edward County seven years ago as a fundraising activity of the club. The one day festival, made up of community members, was so successful, it resulted in the development of the dragon boat club. The club purchased a used dragon boat, and individual members pitched in and purchased the necessary paddles, life jackets, trailer and the dragon boat club activity began.