Five local athletes competed in Thailand.
In a remarkable feat of teamwork and determination, a group of local youths competed in the International Dragon Boat Racing Championships held in Thailand this past week (August 7th-13th).
Dragon boat racing, a sport characterized by its intense teamwork and synchronized paddling, involves 20 paddlers, a drummer, and a steerer in a long, slender boat.
Cathy Johnson, head coach of the Lambton Shores Dragon Boat Club, says that five local athletes participated in the IDBF World Championships.
The entirety of team Canada held the title this year once more.
In Thailand, the U18 team clinched an impressive 21 medals: 7 gold, 13 silver, and 1 bronze.
These accomplishments, combined with the achievements of the U16 and U24 teams, secured the Canadians the World Junior Cup – a privilege they’ve held since 2013.
Competing against 20 countries from five continents, these young paddlers raced against formidable opponents from countries like Ukraine, Australia, and the USA.
Johnson attributed their achievements to overwhelming community support.
As the local community celebrates these remarkable achievements, the success of these young dragon boat racers serves as an inspiration to the entire region. Their story is underscored by the power of teamwork, determination, and the unwavering support of a close-knit community.
Written by: B. Shakyaver