Mindshare Worldwide Dragon Boat Race 2014
Date: 1st August 2014
Location: Surrey Quays Water Sports Centre
On a bright summer day, 200 Mindshare colleagues arrived at Surrey Quays Water Sports Centre, stepping off the coaches with a mix of excitement and trepidation, wondering what the day had in store for them.
Event Overview
The centrepiece of the day was three 12-metre-long dragon boats, complete with brightly painted dragon heads and tails. Alongside the boats, a well-stocked bar offered chilled lagers, specially selected wines, soft drinks, and a BBQ with mouth-watering options such as sirloin steak rolls with caramelised red onion and New York cheesecake with cream, perfect for refuelling after races.
On the Water
The calm as teams arrived quickly gave way to competitive energy and excitement. After their first outing on the water and seeing their race times, participants were eager to improve. Even the most reserved colleagues became dragon boat athletes, paddling in unison and experiencing the thrill of inter-company racing.
The competition escalated as co-workers transformed into rivals, competing for team pride and the day’s championship. CEO versus duty managers, male versus female, and inter-company teams all faced off in thrilling final races.
“The best job I have worked on, but the people make that.”
There was laughter, cheering, and playful booing – particularly aimed at the winning team, an all-male crew who were the only such team among predominantly female crews.
After the Races
Back on dry land, the fun continued. The beer from the bar quickly became ammo for water pistols, and with everyone dressed in animal fancy dress, the spectacle was as entertaining on land as it had been on the water.
The CEO of Mindshare Worldwide praised the day, stating:
“A massive THANK YOU from our CEO and all of Mindshare Worldwide for making our Summer Party a brilliant day out! Dan and the team at Race The Dragon were fantastic. The whole day was brilliantly planned and kept fun-packed throughout. The unexpected branded awards were an added bonus. The food was great, the drink plentiful! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and have said it’s our best Summer Day out for years! I highly recommend Race the Dragon for any event.”
Awards & Celebration
The day concluded with a presentation and awards ceremony, recognising both winners and all participants. Branded glass trophies were awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd placed teams, while gold medals acknowledged the outstanding effort of every crew. Photos with the CEO, cheers, handshakes, and applause marked the perfect end to a memorable summer day out.
Summary:
The Mindshare Worldwide Dragon Boat Race 2014 perfectly combined team-building, competition, and fun. From paddling in unison to playful antics on land, the day left every participant with lasting memories, strengthened team bonds, and a huge sense of achievement.
