‘Bugsay Mindanao’ to showcase Mindanaons’ paddling prowess
Paddlers from all over the country are expected to see action in shores of Davao as the city hosts the 2nd Bugsay Mindanao Dragon Boat event.
Dubbed as “Bugsay Mindanao 2: Paddle for Peace” will be held on the coastline of Waterfront Insular Hotel, highlighting Davao Gulf, on May 15-16, 2015.
“This will showcase the prowess of our local paddlers in this budding sport in Mindanao,” said the event organizer Clarice Jean A. Calolot.
Calolot, who is also the Davao Dragon Boat Association (DDBA) president added that the event aims to contribute in the promotion of peace and unity in Mindanao through a non-contact water sporting event that is not yet so familiar in this part of the country.
Participants will include the Dragons Del Sur, Base Camp Dragons, and Hiraya Minokawa all under the supervision of DDBA. While visiting teams include Butuan City’s FSUU Blue Dragon; Cagayan de Oro’s Liceo de Cagayan Dragonoids; Iligan City’s Bakunawa Team and the Agusan del Sur Dragon Boat Team.
Racers will compete in the 200 and 2,000 meter class that will feature three categories: Open/Men’s Standard Boat (22 crew), Mixed Standard (22 crew), and the Women’s Small Boat (12 crew).
“The Philippines is a consistent winner in dragon boat racing in the international arena; and we believe that Mindanao can also produce an elite dragon boat racing team that could compete on international waters,” said Calolot.
“To develop elite Dragon Boat racing team here in Mindanao is not a far-fetched idea because Mindanao has its wide share of shoreline suitable for training and paddling is very known activity for many of us as our major communities and development hubs are on shorelines, like Davao Gulf,” she added.
The first Bugsay Mindanao last year was hosted by Cagayan de Oro City.
Bugsay Mindanao 2: Paddle for Peace is supported by the City government of Davao through the City Sports Development Division, City Tourism Office, Waterfront Insular hotel, Kendle Dragon Boat, Base Camp, GoPro, Nature’s Spring, Red Ant Global Event Management Inc., Market Unlimited, Moscow PE and Alsons Properties. (PR/WW)
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