A Philippine delegation made up mostly of soldier-athletes is scheduled to compete in the 14th International Dragon-Boat Federation world championships in Pattaya, Thailand this week. The tournament runs from Tuesday to Sunday, August 20 to 25. The team, composed of members of the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF), boasts of 24 soldiers, 2 airmen, 5 civilian athletes. Lt. Col. Harold M Cabunoc, the team manager, is hoping to break the record 5 gold medals the squad collected at the 2011 world championships in Florida. The team will compete in the Seniors A and Premier Mixed categories of the small boat division, in which 3,400 athletes from 29 countries will participate. The races will be held at Mapprachan Reservoir, Bang Labang. Besides their 5 golds in 2011, the Filipinos also bagged 2 golds at the World Club Crews Dragon Boat Championships in Italy in 2014, and 4 golds in the same event in Australia in 2016. (For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.) … [Read more...] about Pinoy dragon-boat team eyes glory in world tilt in Thailand
Dragon boat nashville
Kate Middleton made a public spectacle at a boat race?
Public appearances by the Royals always seem to be fraught with some sort of drama it seems. Reportedly, Kate Middleton was prevented from taking part in a charity boat race – and the race's organiser called it "a nightmare" when the Palace got involved, according to a royal author. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge reportedly returned from their Caribbean family holiday with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis in time for the King's Cup Regatta on the Isle of Wight. The royal pair were even seen to race against each other in the charity regatta. However, things were not always so free for Kate Middleton. In the early days of her relationship with Prince William, even before she officially became a member of the Royal Family, Kate had to deal with the influence and directions of the Royal Palace. Reportedly, Kate was prevented from taking part in another charity boat race when she had to follow Palace orders. Biographer Andrew Morton, in his 2011 book "William and … [Read more...] about Kate Middleton made a public spectacle at a boat race?
Filipino maids’ dragon boat team makes splash in Hong Kong
HONG KONG: Filipino women are paddling for gold in this year’s dragon boat races in Hong Kong, with one thing separating them from the competition - they are all maids, often taken for granted in the rich Chinese-ruled city, who no longer want to feel left out. To the beat of a drum, the 29 members of the Filipino Dynamos train or compete every Sunday - their only day off each week - in the paddling ritual that has roots dating back more than 2,000 years. The tradition brings together people from all walks of life to compete each year in colourful, long, narrow boats across the Asian financial hub’s busy waterways. “I want to integrate the Filipino helper community and represent the domestic helper as part of Hong Kong, part of the community, and we don’t want to feel excluded,“ said Liza Avelino, who founded the team last year. “When we’re racing, there’s no employer, there’s no helper. Everyone is equal.” Hong Kong’s … [Read more...] about Filipino maids’ dragon boat team makes splash in Hong Kong
Try out dragon boating with Flex Pulse
If you have ever thought about giving dragon boating a go, then Flex Pulse is the perfect opportunity. You will be taken through the basics of dragon boating by a qualified instructor over three weekly training sessions. The Flex Pulse programme was specially designed to make dragon boating fun and simple for all levels, including beginners. Mr Johnson Teo, the instructor for the sessions, told The New Paper that participants not only pick up basic skills but will also learn more about the sport and its culture. He said: "They will learn about developing trust in others, building confidence and teamwork. "Games will be introduced in the sessions to make paddling fun, and to be out paddling against the breathtaking view of the iconic National Stadium dome is a great experience," he added. Beginners may find it daunting but Mr Teo said the boat used for the sessions is specially designed for training and development. He added: "They are built slightly bigger and heavier, which makes them … [Read more...] about Try out dragon boating with Flex Pulse
Home of dragon boat racing
IN RECENT years, dragon boat racing has been gaining popularity worldwide as a sport. But these races have a festive significance, in the form of the Dragon Boat Festival, which is a major celebration in the Chinese lunar calendar. For a total experience combining the sport and the tradition, look no further than the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival. This annual event, organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and co-organised by the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association (HKCDBA), is taking place for the 10th time this June. The dragon boat, a long canoe carved with a decorative dragon head and tail, and painted with totems, embodies the venerable creature in Chinese mythology. HKCDBA chairman Arnold Chung Chi Lok explains: “Traditionally, dragon boats and paddles are made from teak and camphorwood, and there are three different boat sizes. Today in international races, stronger fibreglass is used, and the boat size has been standardised.” While dragon boat racing is … [Read more...] about Home of dragon boat racing