News

Blind Israelis in a Dragon Boat Race!

27 October 11


We promote activities for visually impaired Israelis that provide a way to socialize and exercise at the same time!  CanVelo was formed in conjunction with the Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind and matched our blind clients with sighted volunteers who participate in a tandem bike club.  This year, we are trying something different - Dragon Boat Racing!

Dragon Boat Israel (DBI) is a joint Canadian-Israeli initiative to introduce the sport of dragon boat racing to Israel.   The mission of DBI is to launch Israel's first Dragon Boat Festival!  The Festival will take place the 17th and 18th of May, 2012, on Israel's largest lake, Lake Kinneret.

 

The History of Dragon Boat Racing

Dragon boat racing started in China over 2,500 years ago. Its origins are believed to have a basis in religious ritual and celebration, possibly involving battles between dragon boat crews. Dragons are traditionally regarded as presiding over water and rainfall, so the ferocious-looking dragon designs were added to frighten away evil water spirits.

 

 Dragon Boat Team

Modern Dragon Boat Racing

 

•  You don't need to have any special skills. It's all about team work!!

•  Part of dragon boating's growing popularity can be attributed to this sport's appeal to all skill levels and athletic abilities.  As long as the 20 paddlers work as a synchronized team, they will succeed and have a great deal of fun at the same time...fun plus team work make dragon boating appealing to everyone.

 

CanVelo Dragon Boat Team 

 

  • Dragon boat teams can be made up of women and men of all ages of varying physical abilities, skills and fitness. Almost anyone can do it!!!
  • It's all about team work. Synchronicity matters more than strength and a perfectly synchronized team will always win out over a stronger but less coordinated one.
  • In dragon boat racing, blind people are no different than sighted people. Everyone has to paddle according to the drumming rhythm. The drummer sits at the front of the boat.
  • No special skills required. The small team of 20 paddlers allows blind people to feel they belong and that it is safe to be in the boat. They will also sense the enjoyment of adventure and racing.

 

Come out and cheer for the CanVelo Dragon Boat Team!!

 

Sponsor a puppy

Sponsor a future guide dog and help us to provide the love and support that is so crucial during the first year of a puppy’s life. The cost to raise a puppy is $1000, which includes all of their food, toys and immunizations. We see to it that the puppies are raised in a nurturing and enriched environment to prepare them for the important work that they will do. In less than two years, these amazing animals will make a profound difference in the life of someone who is visually impaired.

Read More

Me and my guide

Amit Bar-El was a soldier fighting house-to-house during the 2006 Lebanon War. As he rushed to the aid of a wounded comrade, Amit opened a door only to have a rocket fly past and explode in the wall next to him. He received multiple shrapnel wounds

READ MORE

Donate Now

Help to support Guide Dogs in Israel by donating through our secure online donations page.

Read More