【時報訊】由聖路易企業家協會(Civic Entrepreneurs Organization)主辦之第二屆聖路易地區龍舟大賽，於端午節(6月8日)前夕6月7日(周六)，在聖市Creve Coeur湖盛大舉行，計有22個公司企業30支隊伍參賽，賽程分初賽、複賽、決賽三階段，自上午九時開始至下午四時結束。主辦單位表示，這項龍舟大賽有著中國悠久歷史傳統之背景，更有著現代人運動健身團隊合作之目的，很可惜沒有華人隊伍參賽。
經過6月6日(周五)聖路易下午暴風雨之惡劣天氣後，7日天氣大好，氣溫快速上昇如炎夏，比賽場地Creve Coeur湖不但沒有泥濘滿地，各項比賽設施及參賽隊伍公司企業之帳篷均架設良好，現場有吃有喝，還有樂隊助陣，許多孩子並在湖岸水邊嬉水遊樂，在龍舟競賽密集鼓點聲中，聖路易龍舟大賽於焉開始。
Creve Coeur湖主賽區設有3個比賽水道，道長450公尺，每支參賽隊伍20位選手中，必須至少有8位女生，其中鼓手不算在內，大會規定年滿14歲即可作為選手，在30支隊伍中，可以看到年輕的高中同學，也可看到年長的退休人士，大家齊聚組隊，共同以團隊精神為軸，齊心協力奪標。
除了20位划漿選手外，每支隊伍還有一位鼓手及一位舵手，由鼓手以鼓點聲指揮全隊齊一划槳動作以求速度，舵手則掌握直前方向。由於三支龍舟一起比賽，哨音開始後，彼此鼓聲會相互干擾，這時就看哪一隊訓練良好加上團隊默契，在鼓聲中以像「毛毛蟲」一樣的齊一划槳動作划水，如此則能加快速度，有望奪魁。
主辦單位聖路易企業家協會成立於1983年在聖路易舉辦環球小姐選美賽後，是一個非營利事業組織，當年的環球小姐選美賽對大聖路易地區經濟發展及電視世界轉播有著重大的影響，促使聖路易成為一個世界級的社區，選美賽後，支持這項活動的公司企業覺得應該延續這個影響力及效果，於是成立企業家協會，為社區提供基金及義工服務，企業家協會的第一個活動為1985年在聖市森林公園舉行之「聖路易美味」(A Taste of St. Louis)活動。
聖路易企業家協會成立迄今，積極參與、促進聖路易社區之藝術、文化、體育、健康、經濟發展、教育等相關活動，諸如聖路易馬拉松賽、聖路易藝術節、除夕夜等大型活動。今年的Creve Coeur湖龍舟大賽則是第二年舉辦。
2008 Gateway Dragon Boat FestivalCivic Entrepreneurs Organization FoundationJune 7, 2008 Creve Coeur Lake
The Tradition of Dragon Boating
A Dragon boat is a very long and narrow human powered boat used in the team paddling sport of dragon boat racing, which may also be known as dragon boating. For racing events, dragon boats are always rigged with decorative Chinese dragon heads and tails and are required to carry a large drum aboard. At other times the decorative regalia are usually removed, although the drum often remains aboard for training purposes.
Dragon boat races are traditionally held to commemorate the death of Qu Yuan, a Chinese poet who lived about 2,500 years ago. In the year 278 B.C., upon learning of the upcoming devastation of his state from invasion by a neighboring Warring State, Qu is said to have waded into the Miluo River in today's Hunan Province holding a great rock in order to commit ritual suicide as a form of protest against the corruption of the era. The common people, upon learning of his suicide, rushed out on the water in their fishing boats to the middle of the river and tried desperately to save Qu Yuan. They beat drums and splashed the water with their paddles in order to keep the fish and evil spirits from his body.
The standard crew complement of a contemporary dragon boat is around 22, comprising 20 paddlers in pairs facing toward the bow of the boat, 1 drummer or caller at the bow facing toward the paddlers, and one steersperson at the rear of the boat. The leading pair of paddlers (called "pacers," "strokers," or "timers") set the pace for the team. For racing dragon boats of 20 paddlers, which are most often used in competitive sporting events, the drum is located just aft of the dragon headed prow.
The drummer or caller may be considered the "heartbeat" of the dragon boat, and leads the crew throughout a race with the rhythmic beating of a drum to indicate the timing and frequency of paddling strokes (that is, the cadence, picking up the pace, slowing the rate, etc.) A caller/drummer is mandatory during racing events, but if he or she is not present during training, it is typical for the steersperson to direct the crew. Good callers should be able to synchronize the drumming cadence with the strokes of the leading pair of paddlers, rather than the other way around. An expert level caller will be able to gauge the power of the boat and the paddlers.
If paddlers are not synchronized, each successive pair of blades hits the water a fraction of a second behind the blades in front of them. To an onshore observer, this effect resembles the movement of a many-legged caterpillar or centipede; thus, a coach may discipline a team for "caterpillaring." During a race it is difficult to stay in sync as the sounds of other drums make it confusing or unreliable to time off the drumbeat.
Civic Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO)
"To contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of the St. Louis region by creating, producing and supporting unique community events and projects"CEO is a not-for-profit organization that was founded by the mayor of the city of St. Louis, the St. Louis County executive and key organizers of the Miss Universe Pageant, held in St. Louis in 1983. That event, which had a significant economic impact on the metropolitan area and televised owrldwide, was recognized as a prototype for establishing the image of St. Louis as a "world class" community while promoting economic development locally. In order to be able to manage similar future events, it was determined that an organization was needed that could provide the funds and volunteer resources necessary to ensure success. CEO's first event, "A Taste of St. Louis" was held in Forest Park in 1985.
Since that time, CEO has worked to improve the St. Louis community through a variety of civic, artistic, professional and sports related venues. CEO's members, representing an array of businesses and organizations, work hard to promote the health and vitality of the region and have a vested interest in the future of our community. The organization is responsible for bringing the Missouri Valley Conference to St. Louis and for the initiation of events such as the Saint Louis Art Fair, The Spirit of St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend, and First Night, St. Louis.
In addition to providing seed money and resources to launch projects, CEO also presents a spring forum and fall economic forecast event each year. These programs are carefully planned by CEO committees to educate and entertain the business community.
In 1991, CEO established the CEO Foundation to sponsor charitable and educational activities and national or international amateur sports competitions. The CEO Foundation currently suports CEO's Arts Education Program in St. Louis City Schools and the establishment of a National Architectural Arts Center as well as the Gateway to Health Challenge and Gateway Dragon Boat Festival.
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