Out-of-town paddlers top Cebu City Dragon boat race

CEBU, Philippines — Dragon boat teams from Dumaguete City and Iligan City reigned supreme in the first Cebu City Dragon Boat Festival yesterday at the Il Corso, City di Mare in the South Road Properties.

Dumaguete paddlers dominated the 300m women’s and open categories.

UMAGU finished the women’s class with the fastest time of one minute and 33.61, followed by Dumaguete Yellow Fins with a time of 1:33.92, while Sugbu Mighty Dragons settled at third with 1:34 clocking.

Yellow Fins bounced back with a title in the open action with a time of one minute and 18 seconds.  Pundok Amila (1:19.01) and Bohol Paddlers Association (1:19.83) wound up second and third place, respectively.

Meanwhile, Bakunawa Dragon Boat Team of Iligan City showcased their strength as they clinched the 300m mixed small boat category. Bakunawa finished first with a time of 1:26, followed by Bohol Paddlers Association (1:27) and Hilera Team (1:27.93) in second and third place, respectively.

"I am very happy with the turn out of the event. I did not expect the numbers of the participants for its inaugural edition which include out-of-town athletes,” said Cebu City Deputy Mayor for Sports Councilor Jerry Guardo.

Guardo added that they will make the event annually to further promote the sport. (FREEMAN)