Dragon Boat Festival is almost here! An exciting way to celebrate this festival is dragon boat racing. Long boats with dragon heads race to honor a famous ancient poet. About 20 people paddle each boat. Another person beats a drum to help everyone paddle together. Another person steers the boat.

Dragon boat races don’t only happen during Dragon Boat Festival. There are dragon boat competitions many times a year. About 50 million people in almost 100 countries enjoy the sport.

Find It

How many people enjoy dragon boat racing?

Conversation A

(near a river)

Betty:   Will a lot of people come to watch the dragon boat races?

Ken:    Yes. Dragon boat racing is a very popular sport in many countries around the world.

Betty:   It’s one way to celebrate Dragon Boat Festival, right?

Ken:    Yes. Long boats with dragon heads race to honor a famous ancient poet.

Betty:   That’s a fun way to honor someone.

Ken:    Yes. And the races are exciting!

Conversation B

Betty:    Tell me more about dragon boat racing.

Ken:    About 50 million people around the world enjoy the sport.

Betty:   That’s a lot!

Ken:       It is! During a race, about 20 people paddle each of the boats.

Betty:   How does that work?

Ken:       Someone beats a drum to help everyone paddle together.

Betty:   And another person steers?

Ken:    Right. The boat has to go the right way.

Quiz

( T / F ) Dragon boat racing is just an Asian sport.