FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LOCAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL GENERATES ALMOST $80,000 FOR SPORT ORGANIZATIONS   From Left to Right: Susan Hartley, Roger Swarbrick (Chair of NG Festival Committee), Phyllis Parker (accepting on behalf of Women Alike Breast Cancer Support Group), Terry Richardson (accepting on behalf of Pictou/Colchester County Special Olympics) and Rob McMahon (accepting on behalf of The Nova Scotia Amateur Sport Fund).

NEW GLASGOW - Representatives from the Pictou and Colchester County Special Olympics, the Women Alike Breast Cancer Support Group, and the Nova Scotia Amateur Sport Fund gathered Saturday at the New Glasgow Marina to receive funds raised from the Race on the River 2002 Pictou County Dragon Boat Festival. The fundraising festival, held Saturday, August 24th, 2002 at Glasgow Square, raised $78,800 for the three organizations.

"We are thrilled with the success of our inaugural Race on the River Pictou County Dragon Boat Festival," says Roger Swarbrick, Event Chair. "The event proved to be a real celebration of community, sport and health, all the while supporting three wonderful causes."

Over 4,000 spectators turned out to take in the festival and cheer on the thirty-three teams registered in the race. Pledge funds were split with 25% going to the Pictou County Special Olympics, 25% going to the Women Alike Breast Cancer Support Group, and 50% going to Sport Nova Scotia's Nova Scotia Amateur Sport Fund. The event was made possible in part by Sport Nova Scotia's contribution of boats, paddles, coxswains and dragon boat organizational expertise.

"It is an honor to have been involved with such an organized and dedicated group of people," says Scott Logan, CEO of Sport Nova Scotia. "Seventy-eight thousand dollars is a lot of money which proves that great things can be achieved by a relatively small community."

Representatives from the other fundraising recipients are also pleased with the event. "Being the first group of women to introduce dragon boat racing to Pictou County, it was a great thrill for us to see everyone enjoying the event," says Phyllis Parker, Chairperson of the Women Alike Breast Cancer Support Group. Terry Richardson, Vice Coordinator of Pictou County Special Olympics says, "We were delighted to be chosen as one of the charities of this extremely well run and well received festival."

Scott Logan, Phyllis Parker and Terry Richardson were in attendance on Saturday to accept their cheques.

Sport Nova Scotia is a non-profit, non-government organization. The Nova Scotia Amateur Sport Fund is a Sport Nova Scotia program, designed to provide financial assistance to dedicated athletes, coaches, officials and sport organizations across the province. The Nova Scotia Amateur Sport Fund relies on donors and sponsors for its funding.

The aim of the Women Alike Breast Cancer Support Group is to raise public awareness about breast cancer and breast cancer issues, to become more physically fit, to improve mental well being and to give support to others living with breast cancer.

The Pictou and Colchester County Chapters of the Nova Scotia Special Olympics are part of a worldwide organization that provides sports training and competitive opportunities to people with a mental disability. Nova Scotia Special Olympics enhances the quality of life of persons who are mentally challenged through the quality delivery of sport training and competition, recreation and social opportunities.

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