Members of the Cebu Pink Paddlers during the 2023 Nevada International Dragon Boat Festival. | Contributed photo
CEBU CITY, Philippines—The Cebu Pink Paddlers Dragon Boat Team increased its medal hike by topping the 500-meter women’s category of the ongoing 2023 Nevada International Dragon Boat Festival in Henderson, Nevada, United States on Monday, October 16, 2023.
The breast cancer survivors-turned paddlers of the Cebu Pink Paddlers clocked two minutes and 39.56 seconds to rule the 500m race.
The Phink Phoenix-Heart-BCS came in second with a time of 2:50.44, while the Dragon Divas of Minnesota rounded off the top three, clocking 2:52.94.
This is the third gold medal for the Cebu Pink Paddlers Dragon Boat Team in the US.
Besides the three gilts, they also earned a silver and bronze medals in two separate races.
Just a bonus
The Pink Paddlers first won their gold medal in the Santa Fe Dam Dragon Boat Festival 2023 in Irwindale, California.
They clinched their second gilt in the 2023 Nevada International Dragon Boat Festival last weekend.
According to the team’s head coach, Christian Ian Sy, the team felt honored and glad to inspire many people through their determination.
“We came to the USA with one goal: to inspire people. We wanted to show that having cancer is not a death sentence,” said Sy.
“Our victory is merely a bonus. Our journey is a testament to the power of hope, resilience, and the human spirit. We hope to encourage others facing similar challenges to keep fighting and believing in a brighter tomorrow,” Sy added.
/bmjo
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