Army sends Dragon Boat Team to China

FORT BONIFACIO, Makati City-- The Philippine Army will send a contingent of Dragon Boat athletes in the upcoming Dragon Boat races that will be held in China on June 12 (Wednesday). 

Major Harold Cabunoc, the President of the Philippine Army Dragon Boat Team said that the Army has already approved its participation in the Macau Dragon Boat Races that will be held in Van Nam Lake, Macau,China. 

"Our Commanding General, Lt General Noel Coballes has allowed my team's participation in the race after its convincing win over the strong teams fielded by Cam Sur," said Cabunoc. 

Cabunoc said that the Cherifer Premium-powered team will participate in the 500m Men's Open Event.  He is confident that his team is ready to compete globally based on its past achievements. 

"My team posted the fastest record time in the PDBF's 200m event at 41.27 seconds during the recent international race in Bohol. This record is also the fourth fastest recorded time in the World Championship," he said. 

It can be recalled that the team dominated the 2nd Leg of the Cobra-PDBF Dragon Boat Race on June 2 (Sunday). The team outraced two of its strongest rivals in the country, the paddlers from Lake Buhi in Camarines Sur.

Mr Tom Meneses of Intermed Philippines has been supporting the Army team since 2011. 

He said that his company is proud for being the team's sponsor in the past three years.

"I am glad to support these athletes who want to make a difference in the sport of Dragon Boat. We are very proud of them," said Meneses.

The Army had participated  in the international race for the third time since 2011. 

It emerged as the champion in the races held in Indonesia and Malaysia. 

Seven members of the team are among those who won 5 golds in the 10th IDBF World Dragon Boat Championships which was held in Tampa, Florida in August 2011.

The team will depart for its third foray abroad on Monday (June 10,2013 ) at 7:00pm.