A Vancouver Island dragon boat team is returning home with some new hardware after winning gold at nationals.
The VI Paddling’s Flat Out team competed at the 2023 Canadian Dragon Boat Championships in Ontario, compiling the highest overall score in the breast cancer survivor standard boat division on July 23.
The team also qualified to race at the 2024 Club Crew World Championships in Italy, as the team holds the most points in its division going into the championships.
“It’s inspirational watching these women race,” said Tom Arnold, president of Vancouver Island Paddling, in a statement.
“Having faced cancer, they’ve gained an incredible amount of mental toughness and now they’re using that skill to become top-flight competitive athletes.”
Joining Flat Out at the 2024 worlds will be the Gorging Dragons paddlers.
“Competitive dragon boating is hugely popular around the world, but thanks to our climate and ready access to water, our little Island community has managed to develop several world-class teams. We’re excited to represent Vancouver Island on the world stage once again, and hopefully keep bringing home medals that will inspire others to take up the sport,” said Arnold, noting the Gorging Dragons team won a club record of 15 medals at the previous world championships.
The club is competing next in Thailand, bringing 30 athletes to represent Team Canada.
The club is also gearing up to host the 2023 Comox Dragon Boat Festival on Sept. 16 at the Comox Marina.
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