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Capgemini Joins forces with Client Matalan IT to enter a crew into the 3rd annual Charit Dragon Baot Race in Southport

So Why Did We Say Yes To a Charity Dragon Boat Race

There are many answers, all of them different, and all of them the same! In and around Southport there are hundreds of individuals and groups dedicated to helping others -  and hopefully putting a little bit of FUN into FUNd Raising. Some of these individuals and groups are joining together in teams to raise money for their favourite Charities... and have a wonderful day out into the bargain... through the Annual Charity Dragon Boat Races.  The reason we are doing this is firstly to beat the pants off a Crew being formed from the Retail and HR departments, and secondly to raise money for charity, or is it the other way round, I can't remember.

"Well, paddle my boat."  (Actually, it's paddle our  boat!)

Capgemini will be providing some well honed muscles or not as the case maybe, to join forces with some of the existing Matalan IT in a crew of twenty oars and a Drummer to keep a beat for pace. We will be pitted against not only the Retail and HR crew from Matalan but a possible 20 other company and charity crews.  Each crew will race against others over several heats.  As far as tactics are concerned we have been advised by a profeesional in this sport to start on one side of the Marine Lake, and head for the other side as quickly as possible.  Easy!!!

Our Crew is as follows:
Capgemini

Andy Marnell

Brian Taylor

Chris Salkeld

Gareth Wray

Gary Leadbetter

Ian Parr

James Cathcart

Jamie Wilson

Mark Touhey

Mike Shields

Paul Holman

Paula O' Brien

Matalan

Andrea Littlewood

Andy Fry

Arnold Dias

Dawn Delahunty

Hayley Hennessey

James O' Rourke

Kirsten Kelly

Lyndsay Burgess

Matt Walker

Michelle Barkess

Pete Trainer

Rob Arbidans

After the heats have been run, the really fast Crews will compete for the Cup, and the title of Southport Charity Dragon Boat Race Champions 2008, in a knockout competition, while the not-quite-so-fast Crews compete for the Plate. So our Intention is to have a lot of fun whilst ensuring the Cup bears the Capgemini and Matalan Names. (We are not competitive at all). Our Crew will be called 'Kool and the Gang'