THE Dragons Del Sur (DDS) Dragon Boat Team emerged overall champion in the prestigious Bugsay Balangay: Bugsay Mindanao 5 Dragon Boat Competition that came to a close in Butuan City over the weekend.
Fresh from a sterling performance in the 12th Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival, the Dabawenyos ruled the 10-team event that was also participated by the Philippine National Police Maritime of Manila, Aqua Fortis, Gruppo Habagat of Cebu, Salties Leyteños Tacloban City, Bakunawa of Iligan City, FSUU Blue Dragons and Black Dragons of Butuan City and Kujaw Tiger Dragons, Bugsay Marajao of Surigao City, and Bugsay San Luis of Agusan.
DDS secured the mixed category title over Bugsay Marajao of Surigao City and Bakunawa Dragon Boat Team of Iligan City.
But the DDS women’s team salvaged the silver. Bakunawa Dragon Boat Team clinched the women's title.
Father Saturnino Urios (FSUU) Blue Dragons of Butan City, for its part, got the bronze.
DDS representative Clarice “Clang” Calolot, said, “With just an exact number of crew members, the team gave their heart, soul and spirit. Pushing their limits and giving their all.”
Calolot, however, said they have been joining the prestigious Dragon boat competition for the past five years but this year is the most special.
“We only placed third in the 2,000m mixed category and second in the 200m women’s category in the third Bugsay Mindanao three in Butuan City,” she said.
DDS will next compete and defend its title in the upcoming Kadayawan sa Dabaw in August.
"Kadayawan is the next big race. Right now we are on break and we will resume training by June," she said.