Purple Warriors. A different kind of charity
- paulc968
- Jul 2
- 2 min read
Thoughts had been growing in the minds of a small number of retired armed forces personnel and GB dragon boaters who came together to form an idea.
World Dragon Boat Championships, Canada 2015.
Thoughts had been growing in the minds of a small number of retired armed forces personnel and GB dragon boaters who came together to form an idea.
The idea was planted in the brain of the President of the International Dragon Boat Federation.
The idea.
A charity would be formed to support serving and former armed forces personnel with physical, psychological, neurological impairment. Members would support and inspire each other to triumph through adversity. Dragon boat racing would be at its heart.
Spring 2016. The birth.
A coming together of men and women with little or no experience of dragon boat racing.
What happened next off the water. Strangers became friends and then friends became family. A feeling of belonging grew. And grew. Fitness shot up. Waist sizes went down. Challenges were faced and met. Memories and hopes shared.
What happened next on the water,
Hong Kong 2017. Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. Purple Warriors first international competition. Bronze medal.
Hungary 2018. World Club Crew Championships. First disabled dragon boat crew to compete in the world championships.
Italy 2024. World Club Crew Championships. Silver medal.
The future.
To grow stronger and bigger as a family. To reach out and have more veterans supporting veterans. To push our boundaries and be the best we can be. To enjoy life and bring enjoyment into other’s lives. To inspire others to triumph through adversity. To proudly stand with the world’s best.
The future.
Where will you be?
What will you be?
Who will you be?
A Warrior?
