ADBA Central Region Dragon Boat Championships: October 22-23, 2005

Info from Patrick Long, Texas Dragon Boat Association (www.texasdragonboat.com), inviting us to their October festival:
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We are very honored to have been selected as the host city for the ADBA Central Region Championships 2005. A lot of local excitement has been generated about the upcoming event, to be held on October 22-23, 2005 at Clear Lake Park. Thus far, we have 35 teams committed, and many others interested in attending. Our goal is to have 70 teams, 10 of which are from outside of Houston.

We are extending the Early-Bird registration deadline to September 15. Visiting Teams that sign up before that date will only be charged $600 for an entry and they can enter in multiple categories.

We have arranged a great room rate with the Hilton Clear Lake Hotel ($69/night) which is located only a few blocks from the race site. They will be providing all-day free shuttles back and forth to the hotel for both racing days. The Hilton will also be hosting a free pre-race party on Friday, October 21 for all paddlers and participants. Other hotels have also discounted their normal room rate, and we have worked out airfare discounts with Continental Airlines.

Out-of-town teams will be paired up with buddy teams to help them get around town and provide them with equipment that might be difficult to bring. Each team will be provided with a practice session on Friday, October 21, as well as T-shirts, and a 10x10 tent to use during the weekend. Vendors will be on-site selling food and other novelty items.

For families who wish to come together, the Bay Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is putting together sightseeing tours and packets of information about our local attractions. Because we are racing right next to the Johnson Space Center (NASA), we can also arrange special tours for those who wish to take advantage of them.

We look forward to hosting a wonderful festival that helps to grow the sport in our region.