The 2020 OSCAR Dragon Boat Race is taking place on Friday 11 September, hosted by Spinnaker, and we’re seeking teams, supporters, sponsors and donors.
The first six OSCAR Dragon Boat Races, held every September in London, have contributed £800,000 of the £2m raised so far by the OSCAR Campaign for Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH). The bone marrow transplant team still needs crucial funds to enable continued education, research and development of new treatments for childhood cancers and immune diseases.
Where does the money actually go?
Every day, 619 children arrive at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH). GOSH sees more seriously ill children with rare diseases from the UK and all over the globe than any other UK hospital.
GOSH and its research partner, the Institute of Child Health (ICH), drive pioneering discoveries out of the labs and straight onto the wards – a world-leading research laboratory which treats – and saves – the very sickest children. This ‘living’ research saved the life of my son, Oscar, who will soon be 21, and continues to help and save many more children who are critically ill like he was.
What does the OSCAR Dragon Boat Race involve?
Oars at the ready! The OSCAR Dragon Boat Race is excellent team building and a great networking event – meet shipowners, P&I clubs, insurers, brokers, class societies, ship registries and more. Over 400 people are in attendance, either rowing in teams or supporting on the quayside.
We encourage teams to smash their £5,000 fundraising targets. In 2019, Borealis Maritime were the biggest fundraisers, raising an incredible £18,120, and were also our race champions! Union Maritime were in second place with £12,394.
Who can enter?
Your company – or indeed any group of individuals – registers a team of 11 (10 rowers and a drummer). You don’t need any previous rowing experience …or training.
How much is it?
There is a £500 advance entry fee which covers most costs. You pledge to raise £5,000 through sponsorship, company donations or fund matching….however you can!
The Race takes place at Docklands Sailing & Watersports Centre, London, starting at 1pm and going into the evening. There’s a barbecue, a bar and a live band to keep the party going.
How do I get involved?
Find out more, by emailing Lauren Thipthorpe, or if you’re ready, sign up online here.
Don’t want to race?
Spectator tickets are available to purchase on the day.
Want to sponsor the OSCAR Dragon Boat Race?
If your company would like to go the extra mile, there are sponsorship opportunities for the bar, the food, the flags and the band. Contact Lauren Thipthorpe for more information.
Subject to sponsorship amounts, benefits will include:
• Complimentary spectator passes
• Your company’s banners on display at the venue
• Acknowledgement and branding on all OSCAR Dragon Boat marketing
• The opportunity to be recognised as an active supporter of the OSCAR campaign
• Exposure in press coverage
• Gaining exposure to over 400 shipping professionals in attendance
Check out the photos from last year’s Race:
