The sun was out over the picturesque views of Canary Wharf on Friday 5th September 2025 when NewWave Events partnered up with Thrive Operations Ltd for another spectacular London dragon boat event.
Thrive is a NextGen 3.0 global technology outsourcing provider that empowers small and mid-market organisations to transform their technology into a strategic advantage. They wanted to give back to their local community and arrange a London dragon boat event during which they could raise as much money as possible for their chosen cause, Make-A-Wish. With 10 different branding and sponsorship opportunities on the day, they were “aiming to raise £20,000 to help grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses around the world” – Thrive, Thrive Dragon Boat Fundraiser in Support of Make-A-Wish
From 11:30am, Surrey Docks Watersports Centre saw teams of paddlers compete fiercely on the water every 10-15 minutes to become the Champions of Thrive’s London dragon boat event. Teams ranged from internal employees to Thrive’s clients and partners, so determination was at an all time high to claim the top spot and win bragging rights for the foreseeable future!
Having teams from all areas of the company and beyond meant that this London dragon boat event wasn’t just a great excuse to get out of the office for a day and paddle away but created a fantastic team building opportunity for different departments and partners to build stronger relationships and unite for a great cause.
The first two teams were up for Heat 1 – it was Team Atlas against Team Fortinet. NewWave Events staff on the microphone excitedly hyped up the crowd, as they do at every London dragon boat event, to bring spectators shouts and cheers to the water’s edge to eagerly watch who will cross the finish line first in Heat 1. It was Team Atlas that set the quickest time of the day to beat after Heat 1, but that was quickly shattered by both Team Thrive Operations and Team Mixed Boat in Heat 2 with a photo finish and less than a second in it!!
This London dragon boat event only heated up from there, with times getting quicker and quicker as the day went on. The rhythmic beat of drums and the synchronised chanting of ‘ONE, TWO’ from the paddlers drew even more excitement from the crowd, creating an electric atmosphere making this Thrive London dragon boat race as competitive as ever.
Heading into the semi-finals it was Team Atlas currently holding the quickest time of the day so far and Team Thrive Sales that had unfortunately been knocked out! They weren’t too upset however once they realised this meant they could go and help themselves to the scrumptious BBQ and a beer that was on offer.
The semi-finals came and went with Team Atlas still managing to hold the top spot, until out of nowhere in the grand final Team Fortinet pull it out the bag and are crowned Champions!!! It was extremely close, with Team Atlas’ final time of 62.09 seconds and Team Fortinet just pipping them at the post with 61.59 seconds – wow wow wow, what a day!
This London dragon boat event created a real sense of corporate community spirit, whilst raising money to help change peoples’ lives. Sunshine, adrenaline, good food and great company made this an unforgettable day for all involved. Fundraiser info: https://worldwish.donorsupport.co/page/ThriveNextGen
Would you like to organise your own Dragon Boat Race in London? View more information here: https://dragonboatevents.co.uk/dragon-boat-racing-london-2/
