PADDLERS from all over the Philippines are expected to gather in Cagayan de Oro City as the Dragon Boat Kagay-an will be conducting the first Motor Ace Kagay-an Dragon Boat Fiesta Race on August 25 to 26.
The Kagay-an Dragon Boat Fiesta Cup will also be hosting the Bugsay Mindanao 5: Paddle for Peace Race Series.
“We are expecting at least 300 out of town participants. Race day will be limited to 500 participants for logistics reasons. If there will be more than 500 registrants, we will hold a speial qualifying race for the local teams,” John Asuncion, Dragon Boat Kagay-an managing partner, said.
The dragon boat competition is one of the core events for this year's Higalaay Festival which, according to Asuncion, is a great opportunity to introduce the water sport to the public.
Asuncion said it is the Dragon Boat Kagay-an's aim to “introduce and develop the sport at the grassroots level where it matters the most.”
The race will be held at the Cagayan de Oro river, in the Kauswagan side with the Marcos Bridge as the finish line.
Dragon Boat Kagay-an has also started organizing clinics to those who are interested in the water sport.
The group has also noted a number of people with disabilities (PWDs) who practice their paddling skills every Saturday.
“These PWDs have shown their determination and their willingness to learn. They should serve as an example for all of us. If they can do it, there's no reason that others can't,” Asuncion said.
Maria Liza Corpuz, head of the Persons with Disability Affairs Office, for her part, said the PWDs were happy and excited for a new venue to show everyone that they can be athletic despite of their condition.
“Actually, nalipay ming tanan kay naay katong sa dragon boat. Excited kay sila kay murag sa amo kay naay bag-o sya gyud kay ang usual namo kato ra mang basketball on wheels, ana siya (we are happy with the appearance of this dragon boat. We are excited since for us, this is something new since the usual sport we do is the basketball on wheels). This is something new to us and another venue to show that despite of our disabilities, pwede gihapon mi (we can still do it),” Corpuz said.
Rolando Damaolao of the Cagayan de Oro Council of PWDs urged other PWDs who are interested to learn to join the training or clinics the Dragon Boat Kagay-an conducted.
“Gina-encourage nato, labi na gyud katong mga sport mind-setting nga persons with disabilities, babae man o lalaki (We encourage those who are sports-minded PWDs, male or female, to join),” Damaolao said.
The trainings are held in Duaw Park every day from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. The regular rate is P50 per person per hour, and P20 for students. This will include the boat rental, use of paddles, life vest, and assistance from seasoned paddlers of CGY Oro Dragons.
“This is one of the few sports nga walay pilian sa tao, lalaki, babae, dako, gamay, taas, mubo abilities or with disabilities, wala ni siya ginapili nga sport (that doesn't discriminate anybody, he or she be big, small, tall, short, able or with disabilities, this sport doesn't discriminate). We, kita nga mga Pinoy, ga-excel ta sa gawas, gakadaog ta sa gawas (Filipinos excel in sports outside the country, we win internationally), so why not try this sport. You might just love it,” Asuncion said.