History |
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     In 278 B.C. a Chinese poet named Chu Yuan committed suicide by diving
into a river on the 5th day of the 5th month of lunar calendar. In order to save the soul
of the poet, the villagers paddled in dragon boats to look for Chu Yuan, beating gongs and
drums so that evil ghost were driven away from the river. They also threw food called
"Zhung", which is cooked sweet rice wrapped in bamboo leaves, into the river to feed the
monster, so that his body would not be eaten. from that day on, honouring the great poet's
virtue and patriotism.
    The original team was founded in 1996 by Asian students from different
university assossiations. That same yearthey won 3rd at Montréal 2nd dragon-boat festival.
In 1998, the ville de Montréal became their major partner supporting the Asian youth of
Montréal. In seven competitions, the Rising Dragons have won 3 trophies one plaque out
of 5 finals. With renewed support from the Ville de Montréal, the Rising Dragons are
on the road again for victories and pleasure. Since the beginning, the team as changed
a lot, there is only a few paddlers left from the original team, the two captains and
a few others, but they represent the heart and soul of this team, and it is with their
passion for the sport and their desire to win that they made this team as competitive
as the team is now, so thanks to them!