“Deep in the heart of the York U jungle you can hear the Lions rumble! OOO-OOO Y-U, Y-U!”
That was the rallying cry heard on Saturday, Aug. 16 as a team of York University community members participated in its first United Way of York Region Dragon Boat Festival.
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| Above: York's "Crouching Lions, Hidden Dragons" dragon boat team show its spirit during last Saturday's United Way of York Region Dragon Boat Festival |
Not one drop of rain fell as 39 dragon boat teams took to the water at Seneca College’s King Campus. Dragon boats, which originated in China, are propelled by a crew of 20 paddlers, a drummer and a steersperson. York’s "Crouching Lions, Hidden Dragons" team competed in three races. Staff from the York University Foundation, the Office of the Vice-President Research & Innovation, Advancement Services, Marketing & Communications and Parking Services, along with York alumni made up the enthusiastic team.
“Our paddlers gave their best; and more importantly, contributed to the well-being of our local community and had a great time doing so,” said team leader Jennifer Clark, associate director of development & chief development officer, research & innovation, at York University Foundation. “With more than 200,000 alumni and 60,000 students, faculty and staff, we look forward to expanding our participation next year.”
The event raised more than $160,000 in support of services and programs provided by the United Way of York Region. Members of York's team raised more than $2,000 in pledges and donations.