Paradragons

Purple Warriors is not just another dragon boat club

They exist to provide support, rehabilitation and a safe community to HM Forces personnel (serving or retired) who have a physical, neurological and/or psychological impairment, through the sport of dragon boating. Differing from most other clubs, Purple Warriors have members all over the country who come together on at least a monthly basis to train and race together.

Their motto is 'Inspired By You' as they strive to achieve, together as one; working hard and looking out for each other, just like in service.

Families and those supporting the Forces community can join in with Purple Warriors' activity for only a small annual donation which helps to support the charity, run by volunteers. Impaired forces personnel incur no membership fee like other clubs, in order to ensure their activity and opportunities are accessible for those who need it most.

Purple Warriors has produced the first para crew (aside from Breast Cancer Teams) to emerge from Great Britain and have managed to proudly fly the para flag at several prominent international events in addition to their UK activity. They set a fantastic example for attracting para paddlers to the sport and have proven to be an invaluable source of information and example for supporting a wide range of impairments within the sport of dragon boating.

It is also a registered UK charity (1169153) which was founded and registered with the BDA in May 2016. One of the founders of Purple Warriors, Nigel Bedford, is also the Chair of the IDBF Para Athletes Commission.