The Rotary Club of Paddington

Participation in our District Sports,
(London is Rotary District 1130 of the British Isles) gives us all the chance to get to know our Club members more closely; building a team spirit, which becomes invaluable when the Club involves itself in charitable projects.

There is the additional growth in fellowship with the members of the other competing London Clubs; nearly always with similar aims in life, yet people that otherwise you would never have met.
To read more about how our current President Brian Clarke sees the role of sports, click here.

The Rotary Club of Paddington has a great history of success in the annual sports competition, which culminates in a “Sports Dinner” and prize giving in a top London Hotel every June. An evening of great fun & friendship between all the players. Sport brings the Rotary “family” closer together, yet leaves room for that pride in playing your part in doing well for your club. Taking part is what its all about!!.

The Rotary Club of Paddington has, in the last few years had champions and runner –ups in Backgammon, Golf, Chess, Ten Pin Bowling, Table Tennis, Outdoor Bowls, Squash and the famous Dragonboat racing.

Dragonboat Race Festival 2007

The annual dragonboat event, now organized by the Rotary Club of Canary Wharf, has been celebrated at the Docklands Sailing Centre on the Isle of Dogs since 1998. So this year was the 10 th anniversary of the races and the Rotary Club of Paddington has been there, in the thick of it, since the beginning.
Dragon boat racing is an ancient Chinese tradition, that goes back more than 2000 years and has become shrouded in many myths, legends and superstitions. In the Chinese calendar, dragon boat racing falls on the 5 th day of the 5 th month in the lunar calendar – which is around midsummer; we’ve been racing in May, this year on the 20 th – maybe we should run it later in the year?
As ever, the eager crew gathered by the Thames early on the Sunday morning. Rotarians David & Vikki were already putting up the Paddington hospitality tents and Brian, Jeroen & Andrea completed the club team, along with Hampy, Barbara & Gary from Brian’s practice and ten very fit paddlers from the “All Stars Boxing Club”.
Brian introduced the novices to the technique of dragonboat paddling with a dry run by the tents; tea, coffee and a fabulous variety of food was then taken on before the first race. Another dry run, organized by the cox of our boat, then onto the water; here we were introduced to the perils of “rocking the boat” and how to get out if the worst did happen! Starts were practiced and then at last, the race. We did well, then more food and another race. This took us into the one of the two finals – here our run finished. More food, more to drink and then exhausted but content, we dismantled the tents and made our way home. Another great day out for the Rotary Club of Padington.
After all expenses and entry fees, we raised just under L850 for charity. The All Stars team helped in the fund raising and L500 was donated to their club in the continued assistance to produce a winning boxer for 2012. [pp. Brian Clarke]

Latest Sports Events

44^th Annual Disctrict Sports Dinner

At the annual District 1130 Sports Night Dinner Sports Night dinner, Paddington came 4th overall out of some 80 Clubs in London, well done all those sporting members who gave their time and energy in representing the Club. Ken Rumens is District Golf singles champion again, he has been champion on 4 occasions. We came away with a large collection of cups and medals for sporting achievement.

Dragonboat Racing in Docklands

The WINNING Rotary Club of Paddington dragonboat team was in action on the 29 th June 2006 at the Paddington Basin (behind St Mary's Hospital).
The team were raising money for Age Concern and the Churcharmy Women's Refuge in Westminster, in order to help/part fund a half day cruise on the canal on the Beauchamp Lodge floating classroom for each of these organisations. There was a bar and barbeque. The dragonboat team members were each hoping to raise £60 towards the sponsorship. It was great to see our members at the event and cheering on our team to victory. They were wearing the NEW Club T-shirts as part of the public awareness of Rotary and in particular of Paddington Rotary Club. These are available from Mac call 07973 142941, prices are £12.50 for a T-Shirt and £17.50 for a Golf Shirt, available in several colours. Profit goes to Club's charitable trust fund.
To see the photo gallery of the event, click here.

Forthcoming sports events