THE Philippine Accessible Disability Services Inc. (Pads) Adaptive Dragonboat Team will have to look for another tune-up race after the 2019 CCB Hong Kong International DragonBoat Race got canceled due to the current situation in Hong Kong.
“We were already at the airport when we learned about the cancellation of the race due to the situation in Hong Kong right now,” said Pads’ executive director John Paul Maunes.
The team was supposed to leave for Hong Kong on Wednesday night, June 12, 2019.
People in Hong Kong are protesting the proposed extradition law. It was reported that protesters and police clashed on Wednesday, leaving more than 70 people injured.
“In view of the current situation in Admiralty and Central, the Hong Kong Tourism Board has decided, after careful consideration, to cancel the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival,” read part of the letter sent to Pads.
Pads was supposed to gun for a three-peat in the race scheduled on June 14 to 16, 2019.
“I think we have to find another local race,” he said.
Pads was supposed to use the Hong Kong race to prepare for the DragonBoat World Championships in Pattaya, Thailand on Aug. 20 to 26.
“We have to make a very painful yet practical decision. It’s for the benefit of the safety and security of our paddlers,” he said. “It was like a blessing in disguise also since we were able to change our Hong Kong flight to Thailand in August. Our plane ticket to the world championship is now secured.”
Maunes said the registration fee for the race has been waived by the organizer. Only their booked accommodation in Hong Kong will not be refunded.
To keep them at best shape for the world championships, the Pads will look to compete in a local race. (RSC)