An annual dragon boat race is to be staged by the KM Charity Team to help charitable groups with their fund-raising.

This Kent-wide event will be held at Arethusa Water Sports Centre, Chatham Maritime to both raise funds for the KM Group's local charities of the year as well as allow school PTA groups, sports clubs, charities and businesses to raise funds for the cause of their choice.

In future years the annual event will take place on the first Sunday in July but for 2009 it will take place on Sunday, October 4.

Teams of 17 will compete with one of the crew beating a drum to dictate the pace of the paddles. Teams will compete in a minimum of three races but the fastest teams will compete in the finals at the end of the day. All equipment is provided.

It is a challenge for those who wish to savor the ancient traditions of the dragon boat, as much as for those who want to test their strength and rowing technique by traveling across the 250m course in the fastest time. It is also a day for spectators as well as for people taking part.

To help cover event costs there are six sponsorship packages available costing £500 each and firms will have their support highlighted in selected KM Group titles and also enjoy the privilege of having a boat named after them. Firms can also encourage staff by paying the boat registration charge.

The KM Charity Team hopes each crew member will raise a minimum of £120 for their favourite charity which means every KM dragon boat should raise £2,000 for good causes.

Simon Dolby of the KM Charity Team said: "This will be a fantastic day and a great spectacle. Businesses should look at this as both a team building exercise and also as a way of reaching out to the community in these difficult times."

In different areas of the county local KM Group newspapers and kmfm radio stations are asking readers to support their chosen charity of the year. 

These are: 

• Ellenor Lions Hospice – Dartford and Gravesend Messenger.
• Giraffe Appeal for the Oliver Fisher Baby Unit and the Echo appeal for the British Heart Foundation – Medway Messenger
• Guide Dogs for the Blind – Kent Messenger
• Demelza House Children’s Hospice -  Sittingbourne Messenger and Times Guardian  
• Kent Kids Miles of Smiles – Kentish Gazette  
• Pilgrims Hospice – Kentish Express
• Dad’s Quest prostate cancer charity – Thanet Extra.
• Support our bandstand. Royal Marines Bandstand – East Kent Mercury

For full information or to apply for a free event pack go to http://www.kmcharitychallenge.co.uk/ For sponsorship information call Simon Dolby on 07989 164 752.