The annual festival once again proved to be a wonderful time of community celebrations, attracting thousands of visitors across the weekend. With adrenaline-fuelled dragon boat racing, family entertainment and a fantastic festival atmosphere, the event brought together local organisations, businesses and communities for a memorable day of fundraising and fun.

Representing One In A Million Charity were two dragon boat crews. Team One In A Million featured participants from United Gas & Power (UGP) and Expect Distribution, while a second boat was proudly represented by Bingley Bantams. Both crews embraced the challenge with incredible enthusiasm, teamwork and determination, finishing 11th and 10th respectively from a competitive field of 28 teams.

The teams may not have lifted the trophy, but they certainly embodied the spirit of the day by pulling together for a cause much bigger than the race itself.

Lisa Newby from Expect Distribution said: “The Dragon Boat Festival race was a brilliant showcase of determination, teamwork and local spirit with an amazing turnout. We're incredibly proud of our Expect colleagues who took part in supporting One In A Million, and we look forward to continuing that commitment by raising funds at our annual Fun Day this Saturday”.

Throughout the day, supporters lined the banks of the River Aire, cheering on the crews and creating an electric atmosphere that perfectly reflected community spirit.

The funds raised through the festival will help One In A Million Charity continue delivering life-changing community programmes for children and young people in disadvantaged communities across the Bradford District, strengthening their physical, emotional and mental wellbeing, raising aspirations, and creating real-life opportunities.

Ian Taylor from the Bingley Bantams said: "A fantastic day supporting a fantastic local charity. Looking forward to next year already”.

Joanna Czternastek, United Gas & Power (UGP) said: “We had a fantastic day taking part in the Bradford Saltaire Dragon Boat Festival charity race in support of One In A Million. The atmosphere was brilliant, the competition was strong, and it was a great opportunity for our team to come together for a cause that means a lot to our local community.

One In A Million does incredible work with children and young people across Bradford District. We were proud to play a small part in supporting that mission, and while we may not have taken the trophy this time, the team has definitely caught the dragon boat bug. We’ll be back next year with even more energy and determination”.

One In A Million would like to extend its sincere thanks to Keith and Ian Taylor from the Bingley Bantams for all their support, encouragement and community spirit in helping us become part of this fantastic festival. We are also incredibly grateful to our rowing teams from United Gas & Power, Expect Distribution and the Bingley Bantams for giving their time, energy and enthusiasm to support our work. Finally, thank you to Bingley Bantams, CBS and Peacock Bar Bingley for kindly sponsoring the team shirts.

Although the racing has now finished, there's still time to support the teams by making a donation. Click here to donate.

Every contribution will help One In A Million continue changing lives across Bradford District through its sports, arts and enterprise programmes.

From everyone at One In A Million, thank you for pulling together with us. We hope to see you back on the water next year!