Neighbours team up to race in Singapore's oldest dragon boat festival

SINGAPORE - About 50 novice paddlers from various community centres competed in the Residents' Committee and Neighbourhood Committee (RC/NC) Race, a new race category at the two-day Singapore Dragon Boat Festival 2014.

The category was created to strengthen neighbourliness in the community and create stronger bonds among residents through water sports, said the People's Association in a press statement.

The 87th edition of Singapore's oldest dragon boat event saw over 3,000 participants and supporters at Bedok Reservoir

Gracing the event was Mr Desmond Lee, Minister of State, Ministry of National Development and Grassroots Adviser to Jurong GRC Grassroots Organisations, who flagged off the new RC/NC race category and also presented prizes to the winning teams.

"It is encouraging to see so many like-minded residents from different ages, races and estates coming together to celebrate the festival and compete in Singapore's oldest dragon boat event," said Mr Lee. He added: "Water sports, in particular, dragon boating, has proved to be a good activity for family and community bonding and we will continue to ensure that such activities and events will be accessible to everyone living in the heartlands".