Saskatoon's dragon boat festival a success

Eleven hundred paddlers took to the South Saskatchewan River today and last night. Their mission is to race for the sake Canadian hearts everywhere. All of the money raised from this year's races will go to The Heart and Stroke Foundation and their research. Over 40 teams from various organizations and business enrolled in the races this year — making it their best turnout to date.

Amanda Titman coordinates all of the fundraising for the foundations. Titman believes people no longer perceive heart disease as a disease of the old, so as awareness about the sickness grows so does the popularity of the event.

"Oh, people really love coming out to race on the South Saskatchewan River and you hear from most of the teams that they really want to support the Heart and Stroke Foundation," said Titman.

 For many people participating in the races it's their first try at dragon boating.

 Alin Gillani captained the Heart and Stroke's Dragon Hearts team — who won their first race on the river today. He says the race itself is exhilarating.

"It's just a long race, it is a big 20 person canoe and you give it your all. You try and get that top of your dragon boat up and you just give her hell," explained Gillani.

For six years, the Heart and Stroke Foundation has been the charity of choice for the festival. Organizers say it is Saskatoon’s biggest corporate team festival and their participants have raised more than $332,000 to benefit research and education for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Racing at this years festival ended Saturday afternoon with a ceremony to remember those who have died or suffer from heart disease.