LAOAG CITY—Famous for its dragon boat festival, the Peoples Republic of China has donated at least two units of dragon boats to the local government unit of Paoay in Ilocos Norte in support of its growing water sports activities at the legendary Paoay lake here.
Dragon boat race competition is being popularize at the 87-hectare Paoay Lake Natural Park since its inception last year when the Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragon Boat Federation, in partnership with the municipal government of Paoay, organized the first ever dragon boat clinic in the province to promote paddling sport to the younger generation.
With young individuals, mostly students aged nine years old and above who are being lured into this sports program, town mayor Jessie Galano said Thursday the new dragon boats donated by the Chinese government through the Chinese Consulate Center based in San Nicolas town will go a long way for the training of young athletes.
“We are thankful for the donation of two units of dragon boats here in our municipality. We look forward to host more dragon boat competitions in the future and let the people discover the beauty of our lake as an ideal venue for water sports tourism,” said Galano as he reported said dragon boats will be used in future dragon boat competitions in the municipality.
As symbol of long-time friendship and continuing bilateral relations, Wang Jianqun, Consul and Head of Post of the Chinese Consulate officially turned over the two units to Paoay town represented by Mayor Galano and other local officials.
Just recently, hundreds of water sports enthusiasts joined the second invitational dragon boat tournament at the Paoay lake in Nagbacalan village.
Prior to the competition, a one-day clinic was conducted to demonstrate all necessary skills and techniques in rowing to the participants. The Philippine Canoe, Kayak and Dragon Boat Federation conducted the clinic and officiated the race.
A total of 20 teams joined the competition, 14 teams came from other provinces and 6 teams were from Ilocos Norte, most Paoay residents. (PNA)
