Of Dragons And Boats

Hey everyone! I hope y’all had a wonderful weekend!

Well, when life gives you an opportunity to show your “mettle” in the name of kindness and benevolence – you jump right at the chance and make the most of it! And that’s what the “AutoZoners” did this weekend! *dabs like a boss*

Every summer, on the Mississippi River (Memphis)The Duncan-Williams St. Jude Dragon Boat Race takes place, to support the life-saving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital -“Finding cures. Saving children.”® And just like every year, the “AutoZoners” did what they do best – caring about people and striving for exceptional performance!

iScriblr_dragonBoat
The Team!

PS – Before I divulge all about this fabulous event, lemme start by saying that I was the “self designated” photographer for AutoZone (a place where my Huz works) and it felt like home!

The day began early (pretty early for someone like me!) and we reached the venue all “gung-ho” and excited. Well, how often do you get a chance to do something good and have fun at the same time?

iScriblr_dragonBoat
Forecast Modelling?
iScriblr_dragonBoat
Team Huddle, Anyone?

Each team is provided with a “marquee” to call their own – which houses food, beverages and of course the team, aka – the den for all the development, formation and preparation, where all “game winning” strategies are made. Since we knew that it would be an all day event (in the sun) – we made sure we were well stocked with appropriate replenishment. *wink wink*

iScriblr_dragonBoat
The Juice!

For the one’s who are wondering as to what in the world is Dragon Boat Racing? Well, it’s not what you are thinking and there are no real dragons, White Walkers, Khaleesi and Jon Snow! *Dothras chek!*
It is but a race, that happens on traditional Chinese boats shaped like dragons, consisting of 20 paddlers sitting two abreast, a Cox who steers the dragon boat from the rear, and a drummer who sits at the front. With the entire team working in unison to propel the boat forward from a standing start, the aim being to reach the finish line in the fastest time – this race was no less than a GOT season 5 finale!

iScriblr_dragonBoat
Boats N’ Rows

With a total of 45 participating teams, 300 meters of race course and 3 heats per team – the competition was tough and the stakes were high! With each team as tremendous as the other – timing, strength, teamwork and endurance was an absolute necessity to triumph. (All this for a cause that is so close to all our hearts!)

iScriblr_dragonBoat
Dragon Boat Race in-action!
iScriblr_dragonBoat
The AutoZoners!
iScriblr_dragonBoat
Hunger Games!

Braving the heat with adrenaline-pumping action and zealously working together in tandem, The “AutoZoners” came 4th in the Division E Championship with 01:35.0 as “Round 3 Final Time” missing the 3rd spot by 5 seconds! (Not bad, eh!) 

iScriblr_dragonBoat
Happy faces!

So, there we go folks – This is how we rolled our “Dragon Boat Racing” event! *woot woot*

It was a funfilled, entertaining day with non-stop music, an assortment of food trucks and of course, the boats -filled with adrenaline! Whether you were in the audience or a lucky member of a boat crew, there was something to look forward to, for everyone.

With proceeds from this event going to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – which is leading the way, the world – understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases – there couldn’t have been a better way to spend our weekend! Especially when – “Events like this help ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.”

Bravo team “AutoZone” you all did what you were meant to do!

Here’s to saving a life and doing your bit! Cheers! 

Love,
iScriblr_signature

You may also like

39 Comments

        1. Haha *spam scare* .. I do keep an eye on my spam on regular intervals. 😉
          Thank you so much for stopping by! ❤

  1. It’s wonderful when employees gather for a good cause and enjoy themselves at the same time. St. Jude is one of my favorite charities, along with Operation Smile. I’ve heard of dragon boat racing before. Your photo of the race with the city in the background is TOP!!!

    1. Absolutely true Aixa! It was a day well spent and I am just glad that we could do our bit towards the society. I am usually inclined towards “shelters” and “animal service” but this was a great change! 🙂
      Thank you so much. It was a lucky shot!❤

  2. So lucky for you to have participated in such a good meaningful cause. What a great day to spend it with 😊👍❤️

Leave a Reply