Cebu Pink Paddlers ready for tougher competition

The Cebu Pink Paddlers will continue to defy odds as they prepare for a set of challenges in dragon boat competitions this year.

The Pink Paddlers, the country’s first breast cancer survivors (BCS) dragon boat team, will take their talents to the next level as they gear up to compete in the regular women’s categories instead of the BCS division in three upcoming races this year.

Head coach Christian Ian Sy has confirmed that they will be joining the 250m and 500m races of the second Cebu Dragon Boat Fiesta in the City of Naga this April 13 to 15.

“They haven’t had rest. They need to level up their strength and power,” Sy said of the lady paddlers who are undergoing more intense land, pool, and boat training in preparation for the races.

The team will also be joining the 300m race in the Paddle for Womanity, an all-woman dragon boat race in Siaton town, Negros Oriental this March 17 and 18. This race is held in line with the National Women’s Month.

Sy said that they are also planning to join the Boracay International Dragon Boat Race’s 250m and 500m categories from April 19 to 21.
According to Sy, the team’s preparation is doing well so far.

“Comparing their performances last year, the ladies are stronger mentally and physically,” said Sy. “They are not just a special team but they are already competitive athletes who have an advocacy.”

Although he doesn’t want to expect much from the team, Sy said he has confidence in them.

“I believe they can do it,” he said.

The Pink Paddlers made themselves known last year when they brought home two gold medals from the BCS division of the Keelung International Dragon Boat Festival in Taiwan.