On Sunday 31st May 2015, Salford Business School participated in the Salford Dragon Boat Race. The event took place at Salford Quays at the largest Salford Dragon Boat Festival ever – where more than 20 teams came ready to row for charity.
Competing in this race was a first for Salford Business School and for majority of the team members. However, the motivation and enthusiasm to support their charity, Kidscan Children’s Cancer Research, pushed Salford Business Submarine to train hard and give it their best on race day.
A total of 23 teams entered this competition this year and over £15k have been raised for charity so far.
How did the Salford Business Submarine team get on?
What is Dragon boat racing?
The idea of Dragon boat racing goes back thousands of years and is deeply rooted in the China’s ‘Dragon’ culture. The interpretation of dragon boat racing at the Salford Dragon Boat Festival is simple – you have a 40 foot boat that is decorated like a dragon, a willing crew of up to 16 paddlers, a drummer and helmsman steering at the back. All working against other teams to raise money for their charity.
Back row: Phil Medland, Susantha Udagedara, Martin Barber, Warren Rimmer, Phil Scarf, Christos Papanagnou
Middle row: Jiten Makan, Donal Loftus, Stelios Sapountzis, Marie Griffith, Kurt Allman, Kathy Hartley, Yiannis Polychronakis
Front row: Parveen Tamadon-Nejad, Maria Kutar, Nikki Moss, Megan Davies, Chris Jones, David Rossati
Even though the Salford Business Submarine team members has a lot of knowledge in teaching and administering business management courses as well as law courses – it had little or no experience in rowing! They accepted the challenge and committed to a month of training prior to the Salford Dragon Boat Race. Aside from boat rowing practices, the team members also mostly stuck to personal training regimes…
However, preparation not only consisted of physical training, but involved working on a strategy as well. The team held meetings in which the members would discuss form and techniques so that they could be efficient during the competition.
What did Salford Business Submarine crew make of it?
The Salford Submarine included staff, alumni, and supporters (Salford University campus Santander team member). They were all collectively interviewed before the Dragon Boat Race to get their input on the experience thus far.
What inspired you to join the team and compete in the Dragon Boat Race?
- “It’s a chance to help raise £1000 for Kidscan, which is a charity we really care about”
- “I like participating in sports and being on a team, and this is a great opportunity to do just that”
- “It makes fitness fun! Plus, it’ll definitely be an experience for all of us”
How did the team feel after the first boat rowing practice at Sale Water Park?
- “It was inspiring and boosted our confidence since we generally are an inexperienced team”
- “The adrenaline kicked in and motivated us for race day”
Any predictions on how the team will do on the day of the Dragon Boat Race?
- “Even if the race doesn’t go in our favour, we will be happy to have supported Kidscan”
- “But we feel good about the outcome. We’re all in and aim to win!”
Does the team have a race strategy?
- “The main strategy is to work together and stay in sync. If we all follow the rhythm of the drummer on the boat, we should be fine”
- “The strategic placement of each member on the boat has also been considered since it impacts the boat’s balance and speed”
How does it feel to be the first team from Salford Business School to compete in the Dragon Boat Race?
- “We feel more excitement than pressure. This is new for us, so we just want to do our best and have fun in the process”
Day of the Salford Dragon Boat Race
This was it. Race day had finally come.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TcHLuT1SVU
The weather conditions weren’t the greatest as it was windy and raining, but that didn’t stop our Salford Business Submarine. They set up camp, grabbed a warm drink, and patiently waited for their turn. Since they were one of the last batch of teams to race, they took it as an opportunity to watch their competitors and learn from their strengths and weaknesses.
“@SteveLowy: @DeanSalfordBiz @salfordbizsch @RacetheDragonUK @Kidscan_UK were you aboard Amanda ?” Only virtually & in spirit!
— Prof AmandaBroderick (@ProfBroderick) May 31, 2015
When it was time for Salford Business Submarine to race, they geared up and set off with great enthusiasm and energy. The team was well supported not only by family and friends at the event, but through social media as well.
@NiktoriaM @salfordbizsch good luck to you and the team ?????
— Miss Anna Marino (@anna_marino77) May 31, 2015
Throughout the day people were cheering them on and sending well wishes.
Salford Business Submarine completed their two rounds with great effort, however they were just shy of making it to the semi-finals. However, the team was still in good spirits as they laughed and reminisced over their day and overall great experience.
@RacetheDragonUK @salfordbizsch @RTDatSalford it is such a fantastic event!! Definitely teambuilding as well as amazing fun!!
— NiktoriaM (@NiktoriaM) May 31, 2015
Supporting Kidscan Children’s Cancer Research
Kidscan Children’s Cancer Research is an organization that aims to promote and support research into the causes, prevention, treatment, and cure of cancers in children. Thanks to the many donations, including £700 promise from Salford University campus based Santander, Salford Business Submarine is successful in reaching their target of £1000.
If you would like to sponsor Team Salford Business Submarine, you can make a donation online at www.justgiving.com/SalfordBusinessSubmarine or by texting SBSS66 £amount to 70070.
Great job Salford Business Submarine! Raised money for KidsCan and proudly represented Salford Business School. Celebrations are well deserved!
My eyes are slightly watery but not from rowing. Feel rather emotional & proud to be part of such an amazing team @salfordbizsch
— NiktoriaM (@NiktoriaM) May 31, 2015