Philippine Dragon Boat team returns from ICF World Championship with 6 golds, 1 silver

The Philippine Dragon Boat team that won six golds and one silver medal at the International Canoe Federation Dragon Boat World Championship at the Idroscalo Club in Milan, Italy arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport yesterday.

The 29-member squad who participated in the tilt that ran from August 27 to September 3 copped the gold in six different categories, the 10-paddler, all-men 200-meter, the 10-paddler, 6-men 4-women 200-m, the 10-paddler, all-men 500-m, the 10-paddler, all-men 2,000-m, the 20-paddler, 12-men 8-women 200-m, and the 20-paddler, mixed 500-m.

It grabbed its only silver after finishing behind Russia in the paddlers seniors men event. The tournament drew participants from 12 other countries, including the United States, Russia and Germany.

The paddlers were welcomed at the airport by officials of the Philippine Sports Commission.

“We are just very thankful for this performance of our athletes,” said head coach Len Escollante. “Somehow this vindicates the decision of the Philippine Olympic Committee to transfer the management of Dragon Boat to the Philippine Canoe-Kayak Federation.”

The Philippine consulate, led by Consul General to Milan Lourdes S. Tabamo, and representatives from the Filipino community in Milan provided the team with food, accommodation, transportation and moral support during the games.

by Eric Apolonio | interaksyon.com