A SALTAIRE-based energy firm has had its first taste of dragonboat action as it prepares to make its debut at the Bradford Dragonboat Festival later this month.

The team from Switch2 Energy, based in Salts Mill Road, took to the water at Doe Park Outdoor Activities Centre in Denholme to see what all the fuss is about.

It is the first year the firm has entered a team for the annual event held at Roberts Park in the village, which this year will be held from June 22 to 24.

They will be competing on Sunday’s multi-charity day, raising money for motor neurone disease.

During the training session at Doe Park, the team were taught the correct way to paddle in the race to ensure the fastest time possible on dry land, before taking to the water in the long narrow dragonboat to get some practice in, involving a number of different techniques to improve coordination and timing.

The team did a number of lengths of the reservoir for around 45 minutes before returning to dry land.

Tom Sadeghi, sales and marketing assistant at Switch2, and also team captain, explained why the team has entered the competition.

He said: “Our head office is based just five minutes away from where the Dragonboat Festival takes place, with many Switch2 employees attending each year with their families.

“We have always participated in events to raise funds, and this seemed like a great local event to get involved with and to raise funds for our chosen charity motor neurone disease.

“As team captain, I’m not putting any pressure on the team and we’re competing for fun with no high expectations, but if the trophy is in sight who knows, we might deliver Olympic level rowing.

“It is a brilliant event that has put Bradford on the map.

“It is very positive and great recognition for the city, community and everyone involved.”

While his team is competing in the Sunday race, Mr Sadeghi added that he thinks the festival will be a huge boost for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal.

He added: “The Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Abid Hussain’s chosen charities are both great causes and with the ever growing popularity of the event, he can surely take pride in knowing that the Bradford community will benefit.”

Shipley-based Teledyne Defence & Space were also in training at Doe Park ahead of the festival later this month.

All places for the multi-day charity day on Sunday are fully booked, but some slots for Friday’s youth day and Saturday’s Lord Mayor’s Appeal day are still up for grabs. To register, visit bradforddragonboatfestival.co.uk.

Organisers are also appealing for volunteers to help out during the weekend, from working in the car parks, with competitors, musicians, or just general help around the festival.

To sign up, email heather.wilson@bradford.gov.uk