By Sarrah Peters
News Editor
Over 25 competitive and recreational teams participated in Etowah Gadsden Habitat for Humanity’s Dragon Boat Race Festival fundraiser on Aug. 15.
In the competitive division, “Rabid Blue” from Crossfit Rabid placed third with a time of 1:06.599 . In second, “Modern Woodmen Money Mafia” from Modern Woodmen Financial had a time of 1:05.632. “Rabid Red” from Crossfit Rabid won first place with a time of 1:05.315.
The scores were close in both the competitive division and the recreational division.
In the recreational division, The “ConquerOARS,” a team from Meadowbrook Baptist Church, won third place with a time of 1:14.457. In second, “Financial Avengers” from Northwestern Mutual, had a time of 1:14.307. In first, the “Team Gold’s” from Gold’s Gym placed with a time of 1:12.722.
The event also gave spirit and decoration awards. Absolute Crew from Absolute Fitness won the award for best team spirit. The best decorated tent award went to the HouseboatOARS from Etowah County Board of Realtors. The Best Team Spirit award was given to Riverview Regional Medical Center. Riverview also took the award for best team t-shirt. The best drummer costume was awarded to Nicole Butler.
Dragon Boat Racing has only recently become popular in the United States, although the team paddling sport has been around 2000 years in Chinese culture.
Like much of Habitat for Humanity’s building work, volunteers ran the event.
“We had great support from our volunteers. It takes a lot to run an event like this. And we are very grateful to all our sponsors,” said Etowah/Gadsden Habitat for Humanity President Suzanne Sharfenberg.
Habitat for Humanity builds affordable, but sufficient homes for those in need. The not-for-profit houses typically have a $300 monthly 20-year mortgage.
On Sept. 1, Etowah-Gadsden Habitat for Humanity is accepting housing applications. To fill out the pre-screening form go to gadsdenhabitat.com.
For more information about donating, volunteering or applying, call 256-543-1898.