Army dominates 1st ‘Yolanda’ paddle challenge

By Roel Amazona

November 6, 2017, 2:47 pm

TACLOBAN CITY -- The Army Dragon Warriors, the Philippine Army’s dragon boat team, dominated most of the five categories at the first paddle surge competition, one of the activities marking the fourth anniversary of super typhoon "Yolanda."

In the competition dubbed Typhoon "Haiyan" (Yolanda’s international name) Commemorative Dragon Boat Club Crew Challenge, the Philippine Army team emerged as the champion for dominating the men’s open standard, mix standard and the 21k epic surge categories held Sunday in this city.

Other winners at the men’s open standard and mix standard categories are the Philippine Air Force and Bugsay Marajao Surigao.

In the 21k epic surge category, runner ups are BSU Draco Cancabato of Tacloban and the Philippine Air Force Team.

In the women’s category, the Philippine Air Force team won with Sugbo Mighty Dragons and Liceo Dragonoids of Cagayan de Oro as runners-up.

For mix category (41 years old above), Sugbo Mighty Dragons was the champion while BSU Draco Cancabato landed in second spot.

The two-day competition concluded Sunday at the city’s Cancabato Bay with 19 teams competing in five categories. They are from Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Surigao, Cebu City, Davao City, Agusan River, Cagayan de Oro, Taytay, Rizal, and Tacloban City.

The paddle surge is organized by the Saltwater Dragons of Tacloban City and supported by the city government as part of the super typhoon Yolanda commemorative activity.

“Through this competition, we are hoping to raise awareness on caring for the environment,” said Mary Bernadette Palami of Saltwater Dragons of Tacloban City.

She said turn-out has encouraged them to hold the same event next year. (PNA)

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