Cebu dragon boat teams vow to bounce back

HOPES are still high for Cebu teams Cebu Pink Paddlers and the Poseidon Dragons despite not managing podium finishes in the Paddle for Womanity in Tambobo Bay in Siaton town, Negros Oriental on Sunday.

The Philippine Navy, a renowned powerhouse team in the country, dominated the 300m race in one minute, and 50.64 seconds. The Dumaguete Yellow Fins came in second with a 1:58.67 clocking while BSU Tacloban took the last podium finish in 1:59.22.

Christian Ian Sy, head coach of the Cebu Pink Paddlers, said the team pushed all the way to the semifinals against the Poseidon Dragons, and the Yellow Fins, but failed to clinch a finals berth.

“Every race serves as a learning experience. Participating races is the key to winning,” said Sy of his team which is composed of breast cancer survivors.

This is the first time the Pink Paddlers joined the all-women’s competition. They won the breast cancer survivor title last year.

Meanwhile, Kareen Tariman, team captain of the Poseidon Dragons, said the team lost since it was disqualified for failing to stay in its own lane due to the current.

“The waves and wind were too strong and the race course was curved,” Tariman said. “We expect to come back strong in the Naga race this April.”
Both teams are buckling up for the second Cebu Dragon Boat Fiesta in the City of Naga this April 13 to 15.

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