by Noel Cabobos
BORACAY ISLAND – Some 500 rowers all over the world will battle the scorching heat of the summer sun in this paradise island to compete for the most coveted title of the 3rd Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival on April 30 to May 2, this year.
Considered as the Philippines’ biggest annual water sports event, dragon boating is a fun-filled event incorporating the dragon spirit of sportsmanship and great international camaraderie.
The international Dragon Boat Festival is now on its 3rd year. It is sanctioned by the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation and Boracay Island Paddlers Association (BIPA). It was organized in cooperation with the Department of Tourism and the Municipality of Malay not only to promote this island as the best place to hold this particular sports event but also to promulgate team effort, sportsmanship and competitive spirit among the rowing athletes worldwide.
Last year, festival organizer Nenette Graf said some 900 rowers from Australia, Germany, Singapore, Hong Kong, the United States and the Philippines made their way to Boracay, the Boracay Regency Hotel and Convention Center in particular to participate in this exciting event.
Graf said, more than 3,000 spectators watched the races daily as rowers fiercely paddled for the gold in a spectacular show of teamwork, camara-derie, strength, and power in the 500-meter and 300-meter races.
Dragon boating was first introduced in Boracay in 2001, Graf added. Since then, annual competitions had been held in its pristine blue waters. In 2007, BIPA organized the 1st Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival, a 4-day festival celebrating Boracay’s appreciation of its pristine waters and the countless benefits it brings to its people and visitors. /MP
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