THE ArchAngel Paddler 2 pulled off a very close win over Dauis in the men’s small boat category of the 2nd Dragons sa Argao Dragon Boat Competition at the Argao Royal Palms in Poblacion in southern Cebu last Sunday.
ArchAngel 2 completed the 250-meter course in 1 minute and 2.48 seconds in the final race to finish ahead of Dawis, who clocked 1:03.15. The Boholanos dominated the men’s division as they completed a sweep with ArchAngel Paddler 1 winning third with a time of 1:04.56.
Dauis bounced back in the mixed category and outlasted Gruppo-Habagat Dragon Boat Team in the Finals. Dauis completed the course in 1:08.26, while the latter clocked 1:10.96 in the final race. Bohol Paddlers took third place after clocking 1:10.70.
In the all-women’s exhibition race, Gruppo Habagat clocked 1:12 to beat the Kugtong-Bohol Paddlers who had a time of 1:13 in the finals.
The event also served as a culminating race for the locals of Argao who joined the inter-barangay dragon boat clinic last Sept. 24 to 25. The top local teams geared up for the final race last Sunday.
Barangay Langtad reigned supreme with a time of 1:10.85, beating Poblacion who finished with 1:11.96.
An all-PWD team from Philippine Acceptable Disability Services Inc. (Pads) was the guest participant of the event. The paddlers from Pads were divided into groups so they can race against each other.
PWD-All Stars was the fastest with a time of 1:17.58, PWD Team 2 came second in 1:28.54 and PWD 1 was third with 1:30.80.
Michelle Cutang, the marketing manager of Primary Homes Inc., the host and sponsor of the event said that they’re going to make this an annual race as a way to support the local dragon boat community.
“It was very successful, we are happy that the local government of Argao was very helpful with the event, they provide security and also the barangays participated in the race,” she said. “Overall we have made awareness about the sport of dragon boat.”
Cutang said that they hope they can put Argao in the map in terms of dragon boat competitions. At least 10 teams coming from Cebu City, Province of Cebu and Province of Bohol joined the race. The event was one of the fiesta activities of Argao.