DRAGON BOAT GO-FOR-GOLD TEAM MAJOR AWARDEE SA PSA

NAPAGTIBAY ng Pi­noy paddlers ng Philippine Canoe Kayak and Dragon­boat Federation ang kanilang estado bilang world champions sa pangangasiwa ng Go For Gold Philippines.

Nakapag-uwi ang ‘Pinas ng 5 gold medals sa ICF World Dragon Boat Championship ng nakaraang taon, isang historical feat na kini­kilala ng Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night sa Martes sa Manila Hotel. ``We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the PSA for the recognition. But our accomplishment won’t be possible without the hardwork and dedication of the team and the backing of Go For Gold,’’ ayon kay PCKDF president Jonne Go.

Ipinadalani Go For Gold godfather Jeremy Go ang kampanya ng national women’s dragonboat team sa world championships na idinaos sa Gainesville, Georgia upang makopo ng Pinoy paddlers ang mixed event category ng global championships. Sa pamumuno ni paddler Hermie Macaranas, Ojay Fuentes, drummer Patricia Bustamante at steersman Maribeth Ca­ranto, nanguna ang PH paddlers sa 10-seater at 20-seater senior mixed 200-meter at 500m races.

Napagtagumpayan nila ang fifth gold sa 10-seater senior men’s 200m upang masungkit ang overall title ng meet na idinaos sa Lake Lanier Olympic Park kung saan ang best paddlers sa buong mundo ay nagsagupa. “We are very happy to support the team. We are firm believers in equality in sports and we hope that we can encourage more women to join not just dragonboat, but all sports,’’ ani Go, na sinu­portahan din ang limang iba pang sports bukod sa dragon­boat.

“Go For Gold helped us bring the women’s team in the world championships and it was very crucial for us to succeed,’’ ayon kay PCKDF headcoach Len Escollante. Ang PCKDF ay major awardee sa PSA Awards Night. Ang iba pang miyembro ng team ay sina Mark Jhon Frias, Oliver Manaig, Reymart Nevado, Daniel Ortega, Raquel Al­mencion, Rosalyn Esguerra, Glaiza Liwag, Cristine Mae Talledo, Jonathan Ruz, John Paul Selencio, Sharmane Mangilit, Rhea Roa, John Lester Delos Santos, Lee Robin Santos, Jordan De Guia and Roger Masbate. (MC)