“Nothing but dragon boat”
All we do is dragon boating. We don’t do motor boating, rowing, or anything else that would distract us from making the best dragon boat experience for all our participants.
The mission of the Steel City Dragons is to offer the camaraderie and physical benefits of dragon boating to our community for all levels of interest, fitness, and health status. We do this within a diverse and multicultural organizational environment that is open and available to all without regard to age, race, cultural heritage, athletic ability, or economic circumstances.
We began in 2002 as a group of athletes helping to start the sport of dragon boating in Pittsburgh using an international-standard racing dragon boat acquired by the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA). In January of 2005, we became a 501(c)(3) charity and Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation. The URA recognized our viability by granting us formal ownership of the dragon boat.
We now have a comprehensive dragon boat paddling education and racing curriculum based on outstanding training, individual and team development, community enrichment, and premier competition at regional, national, and international levels. Our programs encompass recreational paddlers at a wide range of ages and abilities, competitive athletes, the Pittsburgh Unity all cancer paddlers, and the Pink Steel breast cancer paddlers.
A dragon boat is approximately 46 feet long and is propelled by 20 paddlers. A drummer sits up front and beats cadence while a steerer in the rear wields a massive wooden steering oar. These festive boats carry on a tradition begun in China over 2000 years ago.
We operate a paddling season from May to October, with several practice sessions every week and a winter workout program in our indoor facility.
We compete in 4 or 5 race events during the season in the eastern United States and Canada. Several of our paddlers also qualify for elite teams competing at the national and international level.
We engage with the community through open paddling events and other training and fitness opportunities.
Our Steel City Mixed Dragons program welcomes community residents of all levels of economic means and fitness levels to benefit from dragon boating and supporting our other teams.
Our Pink Steel breast cancer paddler (BCP) program offers multiple outreach efforts with local groups and oncology treatment centers to build greater awareness of the need for physical activity and camaraderie following the treatments for breast cancer.
Our Pittsburgh Unity all cancer paddler (ACP) team welcomes and supports paddlers who have a current or past diagnosis of any type of cancer.
We build relationships with local organizations that support all cancer survivors, their family members and individuals dealing with recovery or a transition.
We value our community and welcome you to join us as a paddler, volunteer, or financial supporter. Our sponsorship program allows us to keep membership dues affordable as we continue to contribute to the wellness of our community.
Our leadership
The Steel City Dragon-Boat Association, Inc. is managed by a board of directors. The directors and officers are currently:
- Robert Randolph, Chairperson (also Head Coach)
- Sonia Rogers, First Vice Chairperson (also Assistant Coach)
- Elizabeth Cooper, Treasurer
- Jane Miller, Secretary
- Marti Fine, Director
- Alexis Sebastian, Director
- Marty Silverman, Director (also Assistant Coach)
- Lynn Wegrzynek, Director
Support us
We need your support to help make dragon boating accessible and affordable to breast cancer survivors and budding athletes. Our all-volunteer organization keeps costs low, so your support will go a long way.
We need sponsors to help us cover our expenses for equipment and race fees. Our sponsors share in our successes and gain access to a growing, diverse, and vibrant sport. See our sponsorship page or contact us at info@steelcitydragons.org for the full range of sponsorship opportunities.
State registration
The official registration and financial information of Steel City Dragon-Boat Association, Inc. may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.