ABSTRACT
This chapter shows both the global character obtained with a cultural event and also the way that an event can be adopted by one/more causes that repurpose it for different ends. In Asia a dragon boat festival is the end result of cultural celebration, while more recent cause-based events are a means to an end, a way to promote health and awareness. The charity dragon boat race focuses on the racing element as an expression of health and wellness and as a result takes the event away from its heritage and repurposes it for a new application. Dragon boat racing was primarily a feature of Chinese life until 1949 and revived in the 1970s when the event was promoted by Hong Kong and gained international attention with the first. Dragon boat racing has a well-established set of boat standards and protocols. The nonprofit or charitable format is common to dragon boat racing, especially in the United States and Canada.
