PADS repeats as champ in Hong Kong dragon boat

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippine Accessible Disability Services (PADS) Adaptive Dragon Boat Racing Team clinched their back-to-back title in the  2018 China Construction Bank (Asia) Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races the other day at the Central Harbourfront in Hong Kong.

PADS,  the country's premier cross-disability dragon boat team, finished first in one minute and 33.91 seconds to retain their title in the 400-meter standard boat international paradragon category.

"It was overwhelming because we didn't expect this win, but we came prepared because every year each team is different and they are much older than us," said PADS assistant coach Christian Ian Sy."Everything was offered to the Lord, to the Filipino community and to the PWD sector.

PADS  beat the home squad Golden Eagle (1:41.33) and the NAAC Top Brilliance Dragon Boat Team of Taiwan (1:45) who finished in second and third place, respectively.

After Hong Kong, PADS' next target is the Chicago International Dragon Boat Festival on July which they were invited to compete.

"We were eyeing to compete in Chicago but we are still looking for sponsors going there because it's a very challenging race and it's also a big event. We will take rest first to regain our strength," Sy said. (FREEMAN)