RP Dragon-Fireblades second in HK

The Philippines’ Dragon-Fireblades Dragon Boat Team came through with a silver medal finish in the recent Hong Kong Dragon Boat Championship in Wan Chai District.

With the support of the Confederation of Overseas Foreign Workers led by its chairman Jun Paragas as well as the Arena Fitness Sports Complex directors, the RP rowers placed second only to top favorite Hong Kong Island Paddle Club, which is composed of British rowers.

"We did this for the country," said team captain Tyrone Ong, who spearheaded the RP campaign that netted for the Filipinos the best time in the eliminations of the 640-meter race on rough waters.

"Determination and hard work were responsible for our strong finish."

The Hongkongites submitted a clocking of two minutes and 51 seconds while the Filipinos finished in 2:53 in the event regarded as the world championship in dragon boat racing.

A total of 125 teams, including 80 local teams and 22 top-caliber international teams, participated in the event.

"How can we fail when there were hundreds of overseas Filipino workers who came to cheer for us and prod us to do good?," said bemedaled coach Dr. Nickelson Ting.

The team’s trip was also supported by Kickers, Outlast Battery, Giordano, and Private Property.