PDBF going through with ICCC races

BORACAY—Still trying to find  a win-win solution at the last minute, the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation is pushing ahead with the first Cobra PDBF International Club Crew Challenge even if the  races are held at the far end of this paradise island starting today.

PDBF president Marcia Cristobal said some 20 among the top clubs in the country are joining the races which will help determine the country’s bets to  the World Club Crew Championships in Korea later in the year.

She said they have agreed to hold the races in Station 3 so they won’t get confused with another dragonboat competition slated on the same dates in Station 1.

The Boracay Island Paddlers Association had sought the help of Malay, Aklan, Mayor John Yap to stop the Cobra ICCC event. Yap denied PDBF a permit to hold the races though his office had initially agreed and accepted payment. But Cristobal said the mayor only informed them of the new development just a week before the competition when participating clubs have started to arrive.

Australia arrived three days ago and Cristobal said they are also expecting the arrival of clubs from Hong Kong and the United States.

The Cobra PDBF paddlers captured five gold medals in the 1,000m, 500m and 200m distances of the World Championships in Tampa Bay, Florida, last August.

International Dragon Boat Federation president Mike Haslam is also expected to grace the event as chief official.