by Sally Clifford

THE sporting benefits of an ancient Chinese tradition are being brought to Bradford.

Tracy-Marie Dickenson's introduction to dragon boating came when she spotted a dragon boat in City Park from her office window at Provident Financial where she works as a PA and travel manager.

For Tracy-Marie, the colourful boat's presence to promote a charity dragon boat event in Saltaire last year sparked a curiosity and led to an enthusiasm which has seen her progress from having little boating experience to become an integral part of the GB dragon boat Squad Senior A Team - and all within less than a year.

"I hadn't even paddled a dinghy before!" laughs Tracy-Marie.

It was the first time Race the Dragon Ltd, a company providing charity, corporate and youth dragon boat racing events nationwide in the UK had ventured to Tracy-Marie's home city of Bradford.

But in many ways it sealed Tracy-Marie's fate. A friend's invitation to form part of, and help, bring together a crew from her firm for a charity dragon boat participating in the race at Robert's Park in Saltaire last May developed Tracy-Marie's interest and her enthusiasm has grown ever since - so much so - she is now busily putting her own club together.

Having purchased two dragon boats, christened Velma and Scooby Doo, which she is in the throes of renovating, Tracy-Marie hopes to use the boats for the Bradford Barracudas - the club she has christened after the fast-moving saltwater ray-finned fish, the Barracuda.

Now Tracy-Marie is eager to encourage fellow dragon boating enthusiasts to join her. She explains dragon boat racing is ideal for all ages and fitness levels.

"It is basically a boat that holds 20 people. You have a drummer and the people on the boat paddle to the beat of the drum. The person at the back steers it," explains Tracy-Marie.

For the team GB Tracy-Marie fulfils the role of reserve drummer and paddler. For the Bradford Barracudas, based at Doe Park Water Activity Centre in Denholme, Tracy-Marie is the captain and is also undertaking a coaching qualification.

The mother-of-five has a determination to succeed at everything she does.

Three years ago after damaging her knee in an ice skating accident, Tracy-Marie faced the prospect of being unable to run. "I was in a wheelchair for a week and various things went on with the knee but I was always fit and healthy. They said I would never be able to run again but I decided I would do everything possible to get back to normal," she explains.

Last year Tracy-Marie was selected and participated alongside celebrities including Good Morning Britain presenters Ben Shephard and Susanna Reid in the Tough Mums Tough Mudder obstacle course. In October she completed the 10k City run in her home city.

"I had pushed myself to that level. To be told you cannot do something, I am like 'watch me!'"

Participating in a dragon boat festival is no mean feat either. Tracy-Marie talks of being part of the forthcoming Guinness World Record paddling from Liverpool's Albert Dock to Brewery Wharfe in Leeds.

Running from May 2 to 8, the Transpennine Challenge covers 128 miles, 91 locks and a three mile tunnel under the Pennines.

Accompanied by her crew from the Bradford Barracudas, including John Galt from Bradford Council who is helping Tracy-Marie to develop the club, they will race alongside the Crosby Crusaders from Merseyside along with their helm, Bob Bridge.

Then, in July, Tracy-Marie is looking forward to travelling to Rome to participate in the Team GB International Dragon Boat champions.

"My dream is to get that gold medal on the podium and get the club up and running. It is a first in Bradford, it is a first for me," says Tracy-Marie, who is already inspiring her family to get involved in the sport.

One of her four sons, two of which are twins, is already involved in dragon boat racing at a club close to where he is studying at university in Ormskirk. She also has an 18-year-old daughter. May be they will all follow in mum's footsteps one day?

Tracy-Marie certainly hopes to encourage many more to become involved in the sport through the Bradford Barracudas.

Those wanting to get into dragon boat racing should like water and be prepared to train in the cold weather, but Tracy-Marie says it is a sport the whole family can get involved in.

"I love the team work and I absolutely adore water and it is something the minute I did it I just loved it so much. I love the power, the speed and because I have learned so much so quickly I have picked it up so quickly. Every day you learn something new," says Tracy-Marie.

For more information or to get involved with the team email tracydickenson73@gmail.com.

To find out more about organisation - Race the Dragon - visit racethedragon.com or call 0845 293 0897.

FACTFILE: About Dragon Boat Racing:

This ancient sport originates from China and dates back more than 2,000 years.

Since then this magical and mythical sport has developed into the world's fastest growing water sport.

Measuring 12 metres long, dragon boats are decorated with traditional dragons heads, tails and drums and the sight of them in a race is a spectacular sight.