Dragon boat racing has come to Lake Lure and will have its third annual race on May 8.

Today, dragon boat racing (sport and festival) is among the fastest growing of team water sports, with tens of thousands of participants in various organizations and clubs in around 60 countries.

The sport is recognized for the camaraderie, strength and endurance fostered amongst participants, and it has also become a very popular corporate and charitable sport.

If you want to participate in this sport, come to the Lake Lure Dragon Boat Paddle Clinic which will take place on March 20 and 21, at the Rumbling Bald Resort on Lake Lure in Lake Lure, N.C. Professional coaches will teach participants how to paddle a dragon boat.

The schedule for the clinic is as follows:

Saturday 9:30 a.m. Coffee and juice, with classroom instruction from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by a paddling session.

12:30 to 2 p.m. Lunch is on your own

2 to 4:30 p.m. Another on-the-water paddling session

5 to 6 p.m. Meet to review a video of our day and get the coachs feedback.

7 p.m. An Italian dinner buffet will take place at Lakeside Pizza for all Clinic participants. &bsp;

Sunday 8:30 to 9 a.m. Start with coffee and juice.

9 to 9:30 a.m. Classroom instruction.

10 to 11:30 a.m. On-the-water paddling session.

12 to 12:30 p.m. Program wrap.

We adjourn the Clinic as trained dragon boat paddlers ready for the Lure of the Dragons Race on May 8.

Check out the web site at www.lureofthedragons.org for event information and to register on-line for this clinic. Clinic organizers encourage the public to take action soon because they can only accept 40 participants.

If your questions arent answered at their web site, call Diane Barrett at 828-625-2812.

The Lake Lure Dragon Boat Race & Festival organization of Lake Lure, NC is also seeking beneficiary applications from 501(c)(3) non-profit programs and organizations whose purpose is to improve the quality of life and future of our local and regional children within Buncombe, Henderson, Polk and Rutherford counties.

The past two years has attracted approximately 2000 spectators per event. Each year event organizers have raised and distributed $10,000 to selected organizations.

The purpose of this sporting event is to raise money to donate to selected qualifying beneficiaries. To be considered, your organization must hold a current IRS designated 501(c)(3) public, non-profit status and be providing programs or services which improve childrens lives within these four counties.

Please direct requests for applications with required documentation to Diane Barrett, Event Coordinator, at 828-625-2812 or cell 828-691-1104.

Applications must be received by Friday, January 15.