Background
Established in 1994, Topmade Dragon Boat Club (TDBC) is a non-profit organization that has a rich history of dragon boating in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Over the past 20 years, TDBC has developed into one of the largest dragon boat specific clubs in Calgary and Western Canada; it is recognized as one of the leaders within the Calgary dragon boat community. TDBC hosted the 2008 Calgary
Community Dragon Boat Race & Festival, leading the rejuvenation of the cultural dragon boat festival lost in previous years. TDBC is proud to be sponsored by the Topmade Group of Companies, which was founded by Mr. The Topmade Group of Companies has been sponsoring the Club since its inception, bearing their name with great pride ever since. Mission
TDBC’s mission is to provide all of its members with an opportunity to race in a fun and rewarding atmosphere, developing team unity and a sense of accomplishment. The Club takes pride in its efforts to develop both our paddlers' and crews' performance, always raising and improving the standards of TDBC's technique and reputation. To achieve this, the Club maintains a dedicated volunteer coaching team that develops customized training programs for our various divisions, leading to the steady increase in membership enrolment year after year. We have members from all walks of life with all types of dragon boat experience: from the novice to the City’s top paddlers with international competition experience. Community
TDBC is one of two clubs in Calgary that have the User Group status with the City of Calgary Parks & Recreation, allowing the launching of the Club’s dragon boats in the Glenmore Reservoir. The Club also has its own paddling equipment (paddles, personal floatation devices), which is available for all active TDBC members. In addition, TDBC promotes and encourages its members to not only act as ambassadors of the Club, but to also volunteer in opportunities to assist in our community. In the past, TDBC members have volunteered for Global Fest, the Calgary Drop-in Centre, and participated in the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. We continue to welcome everyone in Calgary to join the Club and enjoy and experience the sport of dragon boat paddling.
