THE Dragon Warriors Davao (DWD) clinched two titles in the recently-concluded 6th Bugsay Mindanao Paddle for Peace, dubbed as the Panagsangka sa Banawa 2 (Clash of Kujaw Paddlers), held in Cortes, Surigao del Sur.
DWD topped the standard boat mixed 2,000-meter event, beating Kujaw Tiger Dragon B, Braveheart Dragon Boat Team and Ricspeed Dragon Boat Team who placed second, third and fourth, respectively.
DWD also ruled the standard boat open 200m category en-route to bagging the Perpetual trophy, sprinting past next three placers Kujaw Tiger Dragon B, CGY Oro Dragons and Kujaw Tiger Dragon A.
The Barry Rodriguez-coached DWD team, with Joseph Bañares as manager, was composed of Mae Candia (signal), Joe Gonzales (helm) and paddlers Aaron Dael, Reynaldo Matunog, RJ Desierto, JR Trasmonte, Aldrin Sia Su, Jelwin Caballero, Cris Torlao, Miguel Madrigal, Bernie Alfonso, Rommel Talaboc, Andrei Siregar, Ever Rosauro, Paul Temple, Lindon Lupaz, Jeff Galerio, Mars Ferrando, Chinnie Odi, Ron Medenilla, Chester Birot, Fritz Barros, Amor Hernandez, Darwin Omapas and Venda Grace Mascariñas.
Bañares said DWD, an affiliate of Dragon Warriors Abu Dhabi and Dragon Warriors Dubai, started over a year ago and is comprised of athletes from different disciplines coming together for one objective. It aims to "create a fun, competitive, and positive community" through developing discipline, instilling sportsmanship and promoting camaraderie."
"The Dragon Warriors Davao participated in local, regional, national and international races over the year and looking forward to more races," he said.
DWD, however, fell short and settled for the runner-up honors in standard boat mixed 200m while Braveheart Dragon Boat Team annexed the crown.
DWD also took the third runner-up spot in small boat women's 200m.