Cebu’s PADS to vie in 14th World Dragon Boat Championships

Members of the PADS Dragon Boat team in the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival in 2017. | Contributed photo

CEBU CITY, Philippines – Cebu’s Philippine Accessible Disability Services, Inc. (PADS) Dragon Boat Racing Team will be representing the Philippines to the 14th World Dragon Boat Racing Championship in August in Pattaya, Thailand.

The team, manned by athletes who have varied disabilities, will be competing in the first ever Paradragon division of the international event. 

“It means a lot. [It’s] every athlete’s dream to be part of the Philippine team. It’s an honor to represent our country. Happy kaayo ang PADS ani. All the sacrifices sa training nagbunga jud,” said Arnold Balais, the team’s captain. 

The team’s head coach is Ailene Padrones while assistant coach is Kris Chan. The team’s manager is JP Maunes. 

Aside from the world championship stint, the PADS Dragon Boat team is also aiming for a three peat in the International Paradragon Championship in the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races in June, said Balais. 

Earlier, the team was also recognized by Senator Miguel Zubiri for their back-to-back championship in Hong Kong while PADS was awarded as one of the Ten Outstanding Youth Organization for its work in involving the differently-abled athletes in sports.

According to Balais, the team is looking for sponsors for their international competitions as well as for their training.

Maunes said that from watching in the sidelines, the team has committed to the sport of Dragon Boat Racing and is now being called to bring pride to the country.

“From merely bench watchers nearly 3 years ago, our team has embraced dragon boat racing as a lifetime commitment. They have sacrificed a lot to get this far. We never thought of being able to reach the world championships in our lifetime but dreams do come true, to be able to raise our flag and sing our national anthem in the world’s biggest stage,” said Maunes. 

He added that “this is now a call of duty to serve our country, to bring pride and honor to our nation and to spark hope to thousands of Filipinos who are hiding under the shadows of their disability.”

According to Maunes, being tapped to represent the country in an international event means so much to each member of the team.

“To wear the country’s colors in the world’s biggest racing event means a lot to every paddler. It’s their life’s worth of sacrifice to get this far. We want to make history to be the first team to win the hold medal for the paradragon division. And bring the Philippines to the map again a spot that has been deprived of us for how many years,” added Maunes. 

With the team now having a bigger role, Maunes appeals for the support of the whole Cebuano community. /bjo