Katie Hightower

On Saturday, Aug. 10, Scottsboro Dragon Boat Races will be coming to Goose Pond Resort Marina for the first time. Highlands Medical Center and Nourish One Child teamed up to create this event premier.

Dragon Boat Racing originated in China and has been a traditional Chinese activity for over 2000 years. It became an international competitive sport in 1976. The boats were known for their decorative dragon bodies and heads. The boats ranged in size from 38-90 feet in length. Boat teams typically consisted of 22 people with 20 paddlers, one steerer and one drummer to keep everyone in rhythm.   

Highlands Medical Center and Nourish One Child created this event to raise funds for radiology and imaging equipment and food for local children. Nourish One Child helped children who relied on school lunches for nutrition. Throughout the school year, Nourish One Child sent home bags of food to help needy children through the weekend when they didn’t have access to the schools’ cafeterias.  

The races will commence after the 8:30 a.m. opening ceremonies and will last until 3 p.m. There will also be food and other entertainment at the event.

Those interested in signing up, volunteering or sponsoring the event should contact Kristie Smith from Highlands Medical Center at 256-218-3690 and visit www.scottsborodragonboatraces.com.