A DREAM will finally come true for the 35-man team Philippine Accessible Disability Services Inc. (Pads) Adaptive Dragonboat Racing as they are all set to represent the country in the world championships.

“We are mentally and physically ready,” said Pads executive director and founder John Paul Maunes a few days before flying to Thailand.

The team will leave for Thailand on Monday, Aug. 19, 2019 for the 14th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships on Aug. 20 to 25 in Pattaya-Rayong, Thailand.

Some 3,000 athletes from 30 countries will be vying for titles in the prestigious event that will feature the 2,000-meter, 1,000m, 500m and 200m categories.

The Cebu-based Pads, which is composed of persons with disabilities, will be representing the country in the Para-Dragon Boat competition. This year marks the first time the world championships will include a para division.

“We are very ready. We have prepared for this. For our team to be there is already history,” he added.

Pads will be competing in the 2,000-meter, 200m and 500m categories. For the six-day tilt, Pads will have 26 competing paddlers and nine support crews.

“We’re bringing with us a coaching and rehab team headed by Dr. Lohindren Adorable of Southwestern University-Phinma College of Rehab and Science. There will be total of 35 delegates for the team,” said Maunes.

Pads will join the Manila-based Philippine Army in representing the country.

“We are going to set the record high. That is our goal,” he said.

Maunes said this will be a challenging experience for them since they might be fielded alongside the regular teams.

“As far as we know we might be fielded with the regular teams since there are Para teams who backed out. We get to know the final heat schedule when we get there,” said Maunes.

The Pads Adaptive Dragonboat Team had a sendoff on Aug. 16, Friday at the Quest Hotel. (RSC)