This dragon boat race was the result of a collaboration between Belfast's Chinese business community and the charity Mencap. The race aimed to raise money for the disability charity.

Dragon boat racing is a long standing tradition in China, with a fascinating history. A long time ago, a loyal prime minister was ordered by the emperor to raise taxes for his constituents. The prime minister refused to do so and jumped into the river as a sacrifice. Dismayed, his citizens took to the river in their boats to rescue him, throwing pieces of dumplings into the river to keep the hungry fish away from him.