Kamloops, B.C. — The Kamloops Interior Dragon Boat Society (KIDS) celebrated the purchase and christening of its new Millennium Dragon Boat, ‘Spirit of the Thompson Rivers’ on July 14, 2026. The christening took place at Pioneer Park boat launch with Bob Smillie and Christine Cross from Kamloops Sports Legacy Fund and special guests in attendance.

The new 20+-person fibreglass dragon boat is 100% Canadian-made, made by OCEANUS Reinforced Plastics and supplied by Fairway Gorge Paddling Club in Victoria. It is known for its stability, durability, and strong safety performance, making it well-suited for paddling on the Thompson Rivers. The purchase of the boat was made possible through club fundraising and a significant contribution from the Kamloops Sports Legacy Fund, a long-time supporter of the KIDS, helping the team acquire much-needed equipment over the years.

Members are excited and agree the purchase of this $37,000 boat will improve safety, accessibility, and training consistency for paddlers while helping the organization grow in participation, fun, fitness and prepare for regional events. KIDS members are aged 50+, and practice 3 days a week from early April to mid-September on the Thompson Rivers with goals to improve fitness, compete in festivals, have fun and socialize with other paddlers.

The KIDS team along with the two other Kamloops dragon boat teams, the Kamloops Dragon Boat Club and the Kamloops Spirit Warriors invite all members of the public who are interested in some exciting dragon boat racing action to come down to Riverside Park on August 8, 2026, to join the Kamloops Dragon Boat Community compete with 21 teams from across BC on the Thompson River.

Media Contact: Terry Pratt, Kamloops Interior Dragon Boat Society; Email: teresapratt00@gmail.com Cell: 250 571 9271.