SINGAPORE - More than 60 people aged between 14 and 21 will participate in a new category at this year's DBS Marina Regatta.

The Youth Invitational and Adaptive Community race on June 2 is open to dragon boaters new to the sport, for them to experience competing without the pressure of achieving a win.

A three-week training programme led by certified coaches and assisted by DBS employees was introduced to teach participants the basics of the sport, including techniques, dragon boating terms and water safety procedures.

The programme was attended by dragon boaters from the Reach Community Services Society, Shine Children and Youth Services and St Joseph's Institution.

Said Joanne Chua, a 38-year-old paddler with DBS Asia Dragons: "I'm a first-time volunteer and this training programme has really been the highlight of this year's dragon boating season.

"The youths have shown great enthusiasm throughout the session. They never once said they were tired and continued to keep up with the pace of training."

The DBS Marina Regatta, held at The Promontory@Marina Bay over the next two weekends, will feature over 90 teams and 3,500 participants.

Correction note: The article has been edited for clarity.