PH dragonboat team opens world bid

The core of the Philippine team that broke records and won hearts in the 2011 World Dragonboat Championship is back together again.

This time, the team is looking to even surpass the five gold medals and two silvers it won in Tampa Bay, Florida.

“This is the best-prepared and well-supported team since 2011,” said team manager Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, who was also at the helm when the Philippines lorded it over the 2011 Worlds held at the mouth of the Gulf of Mexico.

Tampa veterans Technical Sergeants Usman Anterola, who is now head coach and team captain, and Romy John Dionio, are back in the 31-man delegation that will see action in the 14th International Dragon Boat Federation World Nations Championship starting Tuesday until Aug. 25 in Pattaya, Thailand.

The Philippine squad, made up of 24 Army soldiers, two Airmen and five civilians, will compete in premier mixed and seniors (40-over) small boat competitions.

A total of 24 countries will be represented in the meet to be held at Mabprachan Reservoir, Bang Labang, in Chonburi Province.

“We have a high state of discipline and now we are on high morale,” added Anterola.

Anterola was also the one who steered Philippine teams to two gold medals in the 2014 World Club Crew event in Italy, and four golds in the same event in Australia two years after.

Leaving nothing to chance as they gear up to face the best teams in the globe, the Philippine team trains twice daily at Laguna Bay near C-6 Road.