On The Road
August 14, 2009
Power Smart goes global
Posted by Lacey Williams
Where: Dragon Boat Festival, Victoria
The Victoria Dragon Boats Festival was a huge success, drawing in over 10,000 people from across the globe. We, at the Nanaimo team, had the chance to work this super high energy event for the full three days. Racers from all across Canada and the United States paddled, drummed, steered and cheered while raising money towards cancer research.
There was a wide variety of multicultural events that took the two main stages; from high intensity African drumming, to belly dancing and Tai Chi, there was something for everyone. Our bright green Power Smart tent was right at the center of the action. We were able to engage many residents of BC in our Power Smart activities, the bobsleds and slalom course, while also encourage them to sign up for Team Power Smart. Though, because this event was in the heart of the Inner Harbour, which is a very popular tourist destination, and due to the fact that the races bring up competitors from the US, we had many non-Canadians approach the booth to see what we were all about.
I was able to rope in a family of twelve Belgians to race against time while they hung up their laundry, unplugged their charger and switched their light bulbs in our Power Smart slalom. They looked a little bit wary at first, but once they heard that it was timed and that they could win a medal after, they were all for it.
Soon after this, a smaller family of four Mexicans and their friends who were visiting from Venezuela decided to make a go of it. I attempted to explain the slalom to them in my broken Spanish, but once I started they encouraged me otherwise. After they had all been on the practice run-through, they couldn’t wait to get the fastest times while doing Power Smart activities. There were cheers and smiles all round!
A ‘dragon boater’ from Portland, Oregon came up to us and was so enthused at what we were doing. He confirmed that the state of Oregon was also taking large steps towards conservation. We shared stories of environmentally friendly initiatives that were underway in both the province and state, and were both glad to hear that the conservation culture was catching on across the globe.
From Belgium and Canada, Venezuela and Mexico, and everywhere in between, the Power Smart message is casting a light on the minds of people world-wide.
Lacey Williams is a Community Outreach representative based out of Nanaimo and will be at community event throughout the summer and fall.
