MacIntyre is the new Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival charity for 2018

Posted 22nd January 2018

MacIntyre has been announced as the benefitting charity for the 17th Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival that will take place at Willen Lake on Saturday 23rd June.

The Dragon Boat Festival attracts more than 50 companies annually and this year the teams will be invited to raise funds for MacIntyre, a national charity based in Milton Keynes that supports over 1,200 children, young people and adults who have a learning disability or autism.

The Dragon Boat Festival will provide the charity with an opportunity to raise its profile within the corporate sector and the wider community, highlighting their main vision for all people with a learning disability to live a life that makes sense to them. The sponsorship raised by the participating teams is expected to make a significant contribution to the funds MacIntyre needs for its vital work.

Head of Fundraising, Claire Kennedy, is delighted that MacIntyre is the official Festival charity for 2018. “Having been involved in previous years, we know what a fantastic event this is for everyone who takes part and their families and friends. Every penny raised will be used to benefit the people we support in the Milton Keynes area”.

With entries now open, companies, clubs and organisations from across the region are getting their teams together to take part. They represent a complete mix of new and returning crews but all with the same aim in mind – to enjoy a fabulous day out with colleagues and friends and make a difference in their community.

Enhanced Gold and Silver entry packages are available which include marketing benefits such as the company’s logo on each side of a dragon boat as well as a significant donation to MacIntyre. The top fundraisers for MacIntyre will win the Charity trophy plus a special prize meal, sponsored by Merinvest, at highly rated Melis Restaurant in Central Milton Keynes.

To take part in the dragon boat racing and help raise money for MacIntyre, no previous experience is required, just plenty of team spirit and enthusiasm! The dragon boats, qualified helms and all racing equipment are provided and each crew is guaranteed a minimum of three races. There will also be a variety of bankside entertainment to enjoy such as funfair rides, children’s activities and food stalls.

For further information and an entry form visit: www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/miltonkeynes or call Gable Events on 01780 470 718. For information about MacIntyre, visit www.macintyrecharity.org or call 01908 230100

Please note, this year’s Festival takes place at Willen Lake on a Saturday (23rd June) to avoid clashing with the England v Panama World Cup football game on Sunday 24th June.