ReardonSmith Architects were named champions of the 2017 Dockland Sailing and Watersports Centre (DSWC) Charity Dragon Boat Challenge on 18th August, finishing before the other 14 teams, contributing to the £5,000 raised for the DSWC Youth Programme, and winning the crown for “Best Costume Team” with their “Drag-On” attire.

Novice paddlers, team Sea Horse from ReardonSmith, finished the 0.2KM course with a race time of 01.17.67, and were selected for the best costume award alongside our other colourful team, Dirty Little Oars.

The aim of the charity is to provide water activities in Sailing, Windsurfing, Kayaking and Canoeing to children living in the East London area. Watersports have the ability to make a difference to participants, giving them valuable life skills such as confidence, self-reliance, independence, teamwork, responsibility, reliability and getting on with others. With Tower Hamlets and East London being one of the most deprived areas in the UK, and having the highest level of child poverty, many children cannot afford such activities. The DSWC Youth Programme offers children from disadvantaged backgrounds opportunities that they would never have been able to afford, and we at ReardonSmith are delighted to have been part of such a wonderful, fun and worthwhile event.