Phl paddlers make waves in Kaohsiung

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine SAG-1 Dragonboat team, made up of 30 Filipino paddlers, bagged one gold and one silver in the 2012 International Invitational Dragonboat Races in Kaohsiung, Taiwan recently. 

The Filipino rowers vied in two events against nine other local club teams and two international crews from Seattle, USA and Israel, winning the gold in the 500m mixed open standard boat event with a two-minute, 29-second clocking.

The team also took a silver medal in the 500m open night race traditional boat event in three minutes, 15 seconds behind first-placer National Sun Yat Sen University. 

Initially disappointed at the race results, the team said there is great potential to beat the reigning team next year. The traditional boat, carrying a large hand-crafted dragon head and weighing more than twice the standard boat is relatively new to the Filipino team. 

“We were overwhelmed by the warm welcome and support of the Filipino community in Kaohsiung, led by the Manila Economic and Cultural Office,” said team captain Jovel Versoza. “They inspired us to do our best in every race.”

The SAG-1 team is comprised of 12 female and 18 male paddlers, including the steersman, flag catcher and drummer. The team is made up of senior paddlers from the Aqua Fortis Dragonboat club crew under the supervision of the Philippine Canoe and Kayak Federation.

“We have been training each year preparing for the international races but this year we feel that the team is stronger following coach Ric’s intense core drills and adapting to the national team’s rowing techniques,” said team manager Pinky Cases.

The team’s stint was sponsored by the Manila Economic and Cultural Office, Kenneth and Mock, Richline, Isabela La Suerte Rice Mill, Metrotiles, Kone, Washington Watches, EDC Photography and Shell Philippines.