LCI Fundraises Thousands for Local Solutions
We proudly announce that LCI has helped raise over £17,000 at this year’s Lord Mayor’s Dragon Boat Race with a University of Liverpool team.
The event on the 12th May 2024, at the Queen's Dock, kicked off with a captivating lion dance, followed by a dragon eye dotting ceremony with the Lord Mayor. Various cultural activities were also running, such as cord crafting, creative Zongzi (rice dumplings) and marble games.
This year, we beat our previous bronze record, and through the team’s hard work, scooped silver. To achieve this, we triumphed over eighteen other dragon boats between fifteen teams from different local businesses and organisations. These included Local Solutions, ACC Liverpool, Liverpool Chinese Business Association and the Ukraine Community Group. Congratulations also go to The Belt and Road Association UK who came first and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service who came third.
LCI also proudly hosted and organized this year’s Northwest England Confucius Institutes Dragon Boat Race on 27th April. This race saw five teams from different universities and Confucius Institutes including the University of Liverpool, the University of Lancaster, the University of Central Lancashire, Edge Hill University and the University of Manchester go head-to-head. Dr Penny Ding was also lucky enough to be invited to attend the 5th Barcelona International Dragon Festival in May, where her teams were awarded two bronze and one silver medals.
This annual event, headed by the Lord Mayor, saw over £17,000 raised for the charity Local Solutions. As a charity, they deliver services to support individuals, families and communities across the Liverpool City Region and North Wales at risk of losing their homes.
Along with the money raised from other projects, our fundraising will pay for two full-time Mentors for two years. This will positively impact the lives of approximately 120 young homeless people/at risk of homelessness. We are thrilled to be able to support our local community with positive outcomes while exploring and celebrating Chinese culture and heritage.
More information about Local Solutions can be found on their website.
"The UoL Confucius Institute is thrilled to lead a team of eighteen paddlers comprising students, staff, and community members to secure second place in these very competitive races. Dragon boating emphasises teamwork, and I'm immensely proud of our team's achievements, camaraderie, and skill development. We're committed to strengthening our team further and aiming for the trophy next year. Knowing that our efforts will benefit disadvantaged youth adds an extra layer of joy to our success."
Dr Penny Ding, LCI Deputy Director and Dragon Boat Race Captain
Thank you to all this year’s event volunteers and supporters who gave up their time to celebrate this ancient Chinese tradition with us.
What is a Dragon Boat Race?
At over 2,000 years old, dragon boating is not just a sport, but a vibrant cultural festival, too. Born from the ancient tale of Qu Yuan, a beloved poet who leapt into a river, locals raced in boats, banging drums and splashing paddles to shoo away fish. Today, these dramatic, dragon-themed boats and rhythmic drums have turned this commemorative event into a thrilling race celebrated worldwide. It's a colourful splash of history that brings communities together, all in the spirit of unity and celebration.
Learn more about the sport of Dragon Boat Racing.
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