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Tuscaloosa to host Dragon Boat Races Saturday

Tuscaloosa to host Dragon Boat Races Saturday

The Junior League of Tuscaloosa is hosting their second annual Dragon Boat Races on Saturday, April 27.

Teams of 20 paddlers, a drummer and steerer will race in 46-ft long Chinese dragon boats along the Black Warrior River. The races will go from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Cypress Inn near the pier at 501 Rice Mine Road North in Tuscaloosa.

Schedule of events:

10:30 a.m. Opening ceremonies

10:45 a.m. History of dragon boat racing and "dotting of the eye" ceremony

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Round 1 races

1 p.m .- 1:55 p.m. Moment of silence for survivors and victims of the April 27, 2011 tornadoes, then break

1:55 - 3:50 p.m. Round 2 races

4 p.m. - 5 p.m. round 3 races

5 p.m. Awards and closing ceremony

Your guide to Alabama, Auburn 2013 A-day games

Your guide to Alabama, Auburn 2013 A-day games

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC)- The Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers are each holding their A-Day games this Saturday, April 20.

Alabama's A-Day game kicks off at 2 p.m. and Auburn's starts at 1:05 p.m. This year, Auburn's celebration also includes a block party in honor of Toomer's Oaks and a final rolling of the trees before they are removed April 23.

The University of Alabama has released a list of prohibited items and says in a press release that the rules will be strictly enforced.

"As a result of the tragic events in Boston this week, we are being even more proactive about the safety and security of our fans, which is one our our highest priorities," Deborah Lane, Associate Vice President for University Relations, said.

The prohibited items are:

-Any purse or bag bigger than an 8.5" by 11" piece of paper

Chizik responds to reporter's allegations of NCAA violations

Chizik responds to reporter's allegations of NCAA violations

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC)- Former Auburn coach Gene Chizik issued a lengthy statement Thursday in response to a recent report claiming Auburn committed multiple NCAA violations during his term as head coach.

In his two-page statement, Chizik says the report by former Sports Illustrated and New York Times writer Selena Roberts is "long on accusation and inference, but short on facts and logic."

He also points to the "noteworthy" timing of the publication, saying it comes "just days" before Mike McNeil, one of the players most prominently featured in the article, goes to trial for armed robbery.

Special report: Kids get muscles

Special report: Kids get muscles

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC)- It's become more common than ever before. Kids are doing additional training for school sports and fitness at a much younger age.

"All of them started sports at four," said Crossfit Alabaster owner Leigh Hulsey. "Fitness is a way of life because its part of who we are. If I'm going to teach my kids right from wrong, why wouldn't I teach them the correct way to...dead lift something? To me health and fitness is as important as right and wrong."

The Hulseys' family has a history of diabetes, so nutrition is an essential component to their fitness regime. But they are not the only ones training their kids at a young age.

"Weight training for kids has really evolved over the last 10 or 15 years," said orthopedic surgeon Dr. Lyle Cain. "We are in an age where patients are afraid of letting their kids get behind and not being specialized enough or not being trained enough."

Registration for dragon boat race now open

Registration for dragon boat race now open

Ever wanted to compete in a dragon boat race? Registration is now open for teams hoping to compete in the second annual Dragon Boat Race in Tuscaloosa.

The event is set for April 27 at Cypress Inn on the Black Warrior River and benefits the community programs supported by the Junior League of Tuscaloosa. Last year, the event raised more than $20,000 for organizations including Adopt-A-School Partner Holt Elementary, Kids in the Kitchen and The Literacy Council, according to the Junior League.

Each team will have 20 paddlers, a drummer and a steersperson working together in the 46-foot-long dragon boat. Participants must be at least 15 years old, but the Junior League says “all levels and physiques” can join in the competition.

Prior to the race, each team will have the chance to practice on the water with a trained coach and compete in at least two heats the day of the race.