PH’s dragonboat team seals world record with four golds

• The Philippine Paradragon Elite Team composed of athletes from Philippine Accessible Disability Services, Inc. became World Champions after claiming four golds
• They also brought home two silvers and four bronze in the recently-concluded 14th International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) World Nations Championships in Pattaya, Thailand
• They were the first-ever champions in the paradragon category of the IDBF World Championships

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Inspired and determined, paddlers from the Philippines are now world champions after claiming four gold medals in the 14th International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) World Nations Championships in Pattaya, Thailand.

The Philippine Paradragon Elite Team manned by Cebu’s Philippine Accessible Disability Services, Inc. (PADS) sealed its historic stint in the first-ever paradragon category of the IDBF World Championships with four golds, two silvers, and four bronze last August 25.

The gutsy dragonboat racing team wants to dedicate their historic win to all Filipinos with disabilities. “We offer this to every Filipino especially those with disabilities. May our victory bring a resonating sound of hope that anything is possible in sports,” PADS Team Manager JP Maunes said in an interview with the Cebu Daily News.

“We are totally overwhelmed right now to be part of history here at the IDBF world championships. It’s a mission accomplished for the team. It is truly an honor for us to serve our country and bring pride and honor to the Filipino people. May our victory give hope and inspiration to every Filipino despite the adversaries they are facing right now,” Maunes added.

According to the report, PADS Team Captain Arnold Balais said the team’s sacrifices finally paid off and were rewarded with a world champion title.

Balais expressed: It means a lot for us. Three years ago we were just ordinary paddlers, to reach this stage of competition is the ultimate dream of every paddler.

To be called world champions, Maunes said, means the world to them. “It is an honor and privilege to hold the first-ever world record in the paradragon division. No one can take that away from us. The paddlers worked hard for it. Blood, sweat and tears were our only investment. Our spot here was earned through the hardwork that we have labored over the years,” he said.

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