Volume
49, No. 11, June 29, 2006
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PADDLE
POWER (above): Navy’s dragon boating team came fifth
in the International Dragon Boat Festival in Malaysia.
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The
fast growing and popular sport of dragon boating took another
leap forward recently with three teams representing Navy in
South East Asia.
Two teams from HMAS Cerberus and one Sydney team gave it their
combined best in Penang, Malaysia, at the 27th International
Dragon Boat Festival.
Dragon boating involves everyone.
The Navy teams, who ranked from seaman to captain, were joined
by willing volunteers from Army, Air Force and the APS. Strong
support from the Maritime Commander, Systems Commander and the
Navy Sports Council helped 60 enthusiastic paddlers reach this
colourful event.
Despite the heat and humidity, fantastic results were achieved,
as all teams reached the semi-finals.
The Cerberus Starboard Team took top honours by making it to
the final of the International Mixed 12s event and held on for
a fighting fifth place against vastly more experienced national
teams from Malaysia, Thailand and China.
Given that this competition had 86 teams from 36 countries,
the Navy teams did themselves and Australia very proud.
Team spirit, national pride, camaraderie and fun are what dragon
boating is all about and these qualities shone through in Navy’s
paddlers.
The Navy teams were also especially supportive of long-time
colleagues, the Breast Cancer Survivors (the ladies in pink)
and the patriotic, loyal and very vocal support shown by both
teams received much favourable comment from the regatta organisers
and the local Penang media.
Everybody upheld the theme of this year’s competition in
Paddling for a more Peaceful World – but Sydney ran out
convincing winners of the consolation water fight against Hong-Kong.
To join in and be part of this fast-growing sport contact your
local PTIs. Dragon boating offers a wonderful opportunity to
get fit, to build upper body strength and flexibility, to make
friends, to challenge yourself and to enjoy the camaraderie
of a close-knit team.
Dragon boating is suitable for all ages, sexes and ranks.
