Record Number of Corporate and Competitive Teams Race in the 12th Annual Kaiser Permanente San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival  SAN FRANCISCO--(U.S. ASIAN WIRE)-- September 14, 2007-- Colorful dragon boats will once again race in the waters around Treasure Island on Sept. 22 and 23 for the Kaiser Permanente San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival. Organized by the California Dragon Boat Association (CDBA), this world class racing event is free to the public and is the largest of its kind in the U.S., with a record number of teams participating this year from U.S. cities and international locales. More than 100 dragon boat teams will race the 500- meter course, amounting to over 2,500 paddlers. In the last decade, local interest in the sport has significantly increased with a number of Bay Area corporations organizing novice teams, including Starbucks, Charles Schwab, KPMG and Wells Fargo. Competitive teams include youths and adults from a wide range of backgrounds, ethnicities and professions Opening race ceremonies begin at noon on Saturday with a special blessing of the boat conducted by Buddhist monks. Spectators will also be treated to cultural performances such as Polynesian dance, taiko drumming, lion and dragon dance, martial arts and Chinese folk dance. Other attractions include Dragon Land, an expansive children's pavilion with free arts and crafts, the Kaiser Permanente Health and Fitness Pavilion, rock climbing wall, Wells Fargo "Karaoke for Cash", U.S. Marines pull-up contest, unique gifts and delicious Asian food. Races will be held from 8 am to 5 pm on Saturday and 8 am to 4 pm on Sunday. Like last year, the festival will host the Annual Breast Cancer and Cancer Survivor Challenger Cup -- a special pink and yellow carnation ceremony to honor the survivor teams. Dragon boat racing stemmed from an ancient Chinese legend over 2,000 years ago and has evolved into one of three major Chinese festivals celebrated around the world. Today, it is one of the fastest growing international sports, and dragon boat races are held in more than 35 countries. About the California Dragon Boat Association (CDBA) A non-profit organization with members from all five Bay Area counties, the CDBA was formed in 1996 to promote the growth and development of dragon boating in the San Francisco Bay Area, and is one of the largest dragon boat associations in the United States. | 
