NI Hospice’s much-anticipated Dragon Boat Race is all set to return on Friday 12th September and Saturday 13th September for another two thrilling days of laughter, camaraderie, and fun on the picturesque River Lagan.

40 teams are set to battle it out in intense competition, as local businesses and organisations enjoy a unique team-building opportunity while challenging for the coveted title of 2025 Dragon Boat Race Champions.

NI Hospice is proud to announce Domino’s Pizza as the headline sponsor of this year’s spectacle. This partnership spans more than 15 years of shared commitment to making waves for a meaningful cause. With 46 stores across Northern Ireland, Domino’s has helped raise over £190,000 to date, thanks to the generosity of its customers and the support of local franchisees Shorecal and Racz Group. These vital funds have helped provide specialist care and support to hundreds of children and families across the region.

George Bertram, Franchise Partner for Shorecal, said: “The Domino’s team is really looking forward to an unforgettable day, raising money for a fantastic cause. We know just how valuable the work of the NI Hospice is to families right across Northern Ireland and, as part of our mission to champion local causes, we are committed to supporting this great charity.”

Pictured are Rachel Clyde, Store Manager of Domino’s Antrim Road, Belfast; Kelly Roulston, NI Hospice’s Corporate Fundraising Manager; and Andrei Negru, Assistant Store Manager.

Kelly Roulston, NI Hospice’s Corporate Fundraising Manager, said: “With Domino’s on board this year as principal sponsor, the event is sure to be a tasty and intense competition, as local businesses, groups, and clubs vie for the title of Dragon Boat Emperors.

“Hospice’s Dragon Boat Race is more than just two days of team-building adrenaline-fuelled races. It costs NI Hospice over £20m per year to run our specialist care services, so fundraising events, as well as the support through sponsorship from corporate partners like Domino’s, are critical to funding this service – helping bring solace to patients and families during their most challenging moments.”

Among those local people helped by Hospice was Shirley McKinley, who was cared for by Hospice before she sadly died from lung cancer three years ago. Shirley’s daughter Pamela McFetridge and her husband Steven run The Scenic Inn in Ballymoney, and are now set to take part in this year’s Hospice Dragon Boat Race.

Pamela McFetridge said: “I was a spectator last year. Everybody was so competitive, but it was a good social occasion as well. My husband and friends were taking part, but this year we have a team from the Scenic.

“My mummy was just amazing. She was cared for by Hospice’s community team, and our nurse Enya really became part of the family. She did so much for us. We could never repay what the Hospice has done for our family, so I'll just keep fundraising for the hospice for as long as I can, including taking part in Dragon Boat Race. It’s great to be able to help the community. It’s making a difference, and it’s in memory of somebody so special.”

For more information about Hospice’s Dragon Boat Race, visit www.nihospice.org/dragon.

Pamela McFetridge (pictured below left) is taking part in Hospice’s Dragon Boat Race in memory of her mum Shirley McKinley (right).

 

For more information about Hospice’s Dragon Boat Race, visit www.nihospice.org/dragon.

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