Boracay hosts 2nd int'l dragon boat race
Thousands of rowers from at least nine countries are expected to flock to Boracay Island this week to compete in the 2nd Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival.
The event, organized by the Boracay Island Paddlers Association (Bipa), Municipality of Malay and the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation aims to attract around 1,500 rowers from the Philippines, Australia, Germany, Hongkong, Macau, Singapore and the United States.
The expected number of participants is double compared to last year's competition, according to Bipa president Nenette Aguirre-Graf.
The participants are expected to arrive on May 1 in time for practice sessions and the opening ceremonies.
The competition will be on May 2 and will include the 500-meter races for men, women and mixed teams and the 300-meter races for men, women and mixed teams.
Boracay Island, known for its white beaches and crystal clear waters, has also brought honors to the country through its dragon boat racing team.
The Bugsay Boracay dragon boat race team has earned medals in recent international competitions in Boracay and in Hongkong.
The paddlers from the island-resort won the bronze medal in the International Women’s Golden Championships while the mixed team the gold medal in the Mixed Silver Championships in last year's Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Race. The men's team finished 8th place in the same competition.
The women's team also finished fourth in the AIA Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships also held in Hong Kong while the men's team finished 10th at their category held at Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre in Macau.
The Bugsay team includes include resort owners, island-based expatriates, hotel and resort workers and residents of the island.
Each 20-member team is composed of 18 paddlers, a steersman and a drummer.
Aside from the Bugsay team, three other teams from Boracay will be competing in this year's tournament.
Graf said the tournament will help boost tourism on the island with families and friends of participants also coming to the island this week.