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Cancellation of 2020 Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival

VANCOUVER, BC – May 15, 2020 – 12:30 PM – Dragon Boat BC announces today that the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival is cancelled for 2020. This marks the first time in the Festival’s 32 year history that it has been cancelled, and the first year since Expo 86 that there will be no dragon boat races in Vancouver.

 “In late March, we cautiously postponed the event in the hopes that by September events could proceed safely,” says Alexis Gall, General Manager, Dragon Boat BC. “Since then, we have seen British Columbians of all backgrounds, as well as our new heroes in the medical profession and essential workers unite to flatten the curve and protect the most vulnerable members of our communities. This has stabilized the pandemic curve enough so that many parts of our community can begin reopening as early as next week.” 

“However, after reviewing BC’s Restart Plan and following the Premier and Provincial Health Officer’s guidance, it is clear that large events will not be possible until a later time, including the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival. This devastating decision, while necessary and understandable in the context of COVID-19, will have significant repercussions to the local economy and to our organization.” 

The Festival generates an estimated $4.25 million in local economic impact including through local small businesses, tourism and accommodation operators, and food and beverage spending. In addition, the Festival provides a platform for up to 150 local musicians, artists, artisans, and heritage cultural practitioners to connect with the community.

At this time, the Festival has implemented the same refund and transfer policy as all other Dragon Boat BC races. Registered teams may request a full transfer of their registration fees from 2020 to a future year until the end of 2020, or may request a refund of 75% of their registration fee until June 1, 2020. Like many other event organizers, the event incurs significant costs in the months leading up to the Festival. Instructions on next steps will be emailed out to team captains, managers, and administrators. A FAQ to assist racers is linked here.

The Festival recognizes and thanks the first responders and essential workers who have served the community and helped protect our community against the brunt of COVID-19. The Festival notes the importance of continuing the fight against COVID-19 as British Columbia begins to reopen. For links to information on mitigating the risk of spreading COVID-19, emergency government funding measures, and ways to contribute to the fight against COVID-19, please visit dragonboatbc.ca/covid19. 

About the Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society
Community, culture and competition, all in one boat. The Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society (dba Dragon Boat BC) is the non-profit operator of North America’s flagship dragon boat festival – the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival, and runs Dragon Zone Paddling Club – Canada’s largest paddling club. Through their All Access and youth programs, supported by the Milton K. Wong Legacy Project, the Society makes sport accessible regardless of barriers to participation.

Media Contact
Dragon Boat BC Main Office
Email: info@dragonboatbc.ca
Please note that the office remains closed, and is only able to take questions via email.

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