WHO WE ARE ...
The OPS Dragon Boat Club was formed in June 2002 by Stephen Kwok, Peter Hoy, and Linda Guy, three experienced dragon boat enthusiasts within the Ontario Public Service (OPS) who wanted to introduce other public servants to this growing and exciting water sport. Forming two teams of eager beginners that first summer, the group pooled enough funds together to purchase their very own dragon boat, which is being used to this day.
The club has since grown to include individuals from within and outside the OPS.
WHO CAN JOIN THE CLUB
While the club is run primarily by OPS members, membership is open to ANYONE who wants to paddle, regardless of experience, fitness level, age, gender, etc. While our crew consists of members from many different backgrounds, we all share the common desire to have fun as a team and work at improving our performance.
Based in Toronto, the OPS Dragon Boat Club (OPSDBC) focuses on introducing people to dragon boating for fun, health and wellness, and to allow members to meet and work with people from various ministries and backgrounds within the Ontario Public Service.
HISTORY
OPS DRAGON BOAT CLUB TODAY
The OPS Dragon Boat Club is a not-for-profit organization that is completely volunteer-operated. One of the main goals for the OPSDBC is to maintain registration fees at a cost-recovery basis, to encourage as many people as possible to try this amazing sport.
Currently, we run three different programs that offer recreational to more competitive experiences. Our paddling season begins in May and ends mid-September. Practices are currently held at Sunnyside (1755 Lakeshore Blvd. West) for the Civil Dragons team, and Balmy Beach Canoe Club (located in Ashbridges Bay in the east end of Toronto) for the Dragonflies and Green Dragons. We participate in several regattas throughout the season, both within Ontario and out-of-province. Please explore our website for more information about our programs.
Home of the OPS Civil Dragons and Dragonflies & host of the 7th Annual Canada Day Regatta!
PROGRAMS
The OPS Dragon Boat Club runs THREE programs that are briefly described below. Please visit each program page for more details.
The OPS Civil Dragons team is suited for individuals who are looking for a competitive-oriented program. The team practices twice a week from May to mid-September, and will participate in a one-day training camp and four regattas in 2009, including one in Montreal. While the program provides an ambitious training regimen, all individuals regardless of fitness level and experience are encouraged to join.
The OPS Dragonflies team is a great choice for individuals who want regular practices, but are not looking to train to a competitive level. The OPS Dragonflies practice once a week from June to mid-September, and will participate in three regattas in 2009. This team would be ideal for individuals who have never paddled before, or for experienced paddlers who want a more recreational training experience.
The OPS Green Dragons is a team that is formed exclusively to race in the Canada Day Regatta, the annual event hosted by the OPS Dragon Boat Club at the Toronto Island, in conjunction with the canoe/kayak/rowing regatta organized by the Dominion Day Regatta Association. The OPS Green Dragons provides an ideal opportunity for individuals who have never paddled before to experience dragon boat racing for the first time in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Included in the program are a minimum of three basic dragon boat practices prior to the Canada Day Regatta.
