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People from across the southeast compete in 12th annual Heart of the Dragon Boat Races

This was the first year the event invited professional racers and extended the invite beyond the state of Georgia

MACON, Ga. — Participants from across the southeast gathered for the 12th annual Heart of the Dragon Boat Races.

The race, which is held at Lake Tobesofkee, supports the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Heart of Georgia’s Youth Mentoring Programs. The program, for the past 71 years, said they’ve looked to “empower the region’s youth” by employing a mentorship program.

“We’re thrilled to bring this unique event to our community once again,” Big Brothers Big Sisters President and CEO Betsy Fitzgerald said. “The Heart of the Dragon Boat Races not only provide a great day of fun and excitement but also play a crucial role in supporting our youth mentoring programs, which make a lasting impact on young people across Central Georgia."

This was the first year that the event invited professional dragon boat racing teams out to compete.

It brought out 13 teams and around 200 paddlers from Tennessee, Florida, South Carolina and across Georgia to compete. Around 100 additional people were in attendance to watch and cheer on the participants.

There were also several companies and groups in attendance, including:

  • Credence Bank 
  • Georgia Power
  • Magnolia State Bank
  • Carmeuse
  • Sunmark 
  • The Central Georgia Tech basketball team

In addition to the races, there was a Bigs vs. Littles volleyball at 12:30 p.m., where the mentors and mentees from the program would face off.

The free event invited everyone to come out, pull up a lawn chair and enjoy a relaxing day at the lake.

It ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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