On 28th June, in an unforgettable weekend at the 10th Anniversary Bradford Dragon Boat Festival, the Chadwell Heath Dragons made a stunning impact, not just by powering through the water to defeat top-tier teams like the reigning champions Yorkshire Sharks, but by capturing the hearts and support of the entire Bradford community.

Travelling all the way from East London, this dynamic team didn’t just show up, they showed out. Racing with purpose, passion, and precision, the Chadwell Heath Dragons clocked the fastest times of the day, going head-to-head with elite squads including the Royal Air Force, Army Squadron, fire service crews, and British Dragon Boat Association (BDA) national teams.

But their victory was about more than medals. Representing Empower Your Roots CIC, a small but powerful grassroots organisation based in Chadwell Heath, the team is on a mission: to diversify the world of sport, amplify BAME youth participation, and promote community wellbeing through inclusive athletic engagement.

 “We’re not just racing boats, we’re creating waves of change,” said the team’s spokesperson. “Every paddle stroke is about showing young people what’s possible when they have opportunity, community, and belief.”

The Bradford crowd embraced the team with open arms, cheering them on, connecting with their mission, and celebrating their journey. The festival, held in one of the UK’s most culturally rich cities and future City of Culture 2025, provided the perfect platform for the Dragons to inspire, empower, and unite.

The event’s success was made even more special by the warm weather, incredible volunteers, and festive community atmosphere proving once again that sport is a universal language of joy, unity, and transformation.

Empower Your Roots CIC, the organisation behind the team, continues to champion sports as a vehicle for social change, particularly in under-served and under-represented communities. With limited resources but limitless heart, their work in Chadwell Heath is igniting new possibilities for local youth and families; one race, one initiative, and one life at a time.

To support the work of Empower Your Roots CIC or learn more about upcoming events and community projects, contact:

Email: info@eyrcic.org

Instagram: @empoweryourroots_

Website: www.eyrcic.org