Dragon boats keeping flame alive after their last efforts were extinguished (From This Is Local London)

Dragon boats keeping flame alive after their last efforts were extinguished

7:00am Sunday 9th September 2012 in News

Dragon boats will keep the flame alive on the river today after their last attempt was extuinguished by heavy rain.

Joining the racing rowers at Canbury Gardens will be rugby legend and TV personality Matt Dawson, who will be captaining a boat on behalf of the Beating Bowel Cancer charity.

The Rotary challenge was postponed in July because of dangerous river conditions and will now take place on Sunday, September 9.

Each of the 52 teams will support a charity and will battle it out during the races, which start at 10am, in a bid to reach the exciting eight boat final at 4pm.

Organisers hope to top last year’s £45,000 raised.

The mayor of Kingston, councillor Mary Heathcote, will present trophies to the winning teams, who are being asked to get into the Olympic spirit and wear themed headgear or costumes.

Spectators can enjoy attractions on dry land including children’s fairground rides, refreshments, craft stalls and a bouncy castle. Visit kingstonrotaryclub.org.uk for more.