PH paddlers up against world champions

The Philippine dragonboat team isn’t exactly the same bunch of paddlers that ruled the world championships two years back.

But the team’s objective remains the same: Conquer the global scene in the 2018 International Canoe Federation Dragon Boat World Championships.

The 23-man squad formed by the Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragonboat Federation flew to Gainsville, Georgia, on Sunday for the big challenge at Lake Lanier on Sept. 13 to 16.

“We won three gold medals two years ago. I’m not in the habit of making bold predictions, but I’m confident that we can deliver,” said coach Len Escollante during the team’s recent sendoff organized by Go For Gold which bankrolled the team’s trip together with the Philippine Sports Commission.

They captured golds in the senior mixed 20-seater 200-meter and 500-meter events as well as the 10-seater mixed junior 200m race in the same meet in 2016 in Moscow, Russia.

“We sincerely support this mission because we believe that our dragonboat team has the tools to go head-to-head with the world’s best,” said Go For Gold’s Jeremy Go.

The Philippines will face highly-skilled like the host, Russia, Hungary, Germany and France in the mixed 20-seater 200 meters, 500m and 2000m races.