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6th Annual Dragon Boat Regatta Kicks Off On The Schuylkill

By Tim Jimenez

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Sixth Annual Independence Dragon Boat Regatta is taking place today on the Schuylkill River on Saturday until 5 p.m.

Organizers say 64 teams from the East Coast are part of this regatta, made up of clubs that practice all year long, to teams from offices and organizations that use this as a team-building exercise.

"We look forward to this, we have lots of fun, we make lots of memories, lots of nice friends," says Betty Ann Creighton, part of the team from the Philadelphia School District building.

An intense 500 meters on the river that many say is unlike any other experience.

"It's very exhilarating, so you know it goes quickly, but the adrenaline is pumping and it feels great."

"For many of us, it's the first time we've done a team sport, so we all work together."

"This isn't like a softball game or anything like that. You work hard for three minutes."

Friends and family cheer all day long. Registration fees and proceeds not only go to Team USA, but to some local charities as well.

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