(Manila Bulletin) — The world’s top rowers test their limits once more when the American Tourister-Boracay International Dragonboat Festival, now on its fifth edition, paddles off April 28 to 30 in Boracay.
Eighteen to 20 paddlers rowing together to the beat of the drum on a long canoe comprise each team that will vie in the event set at the beachfront of the Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Convention Center.
A record number of 44 teams have so far confirmed their participation, making this year’s event the biggest in five years.
Nenette Aguirre Graf of the organizing Boracay Island Paddlers Association, said they are expecting 1,000 rowers to see action in the event, which will be officiated by the Dragon Boat Federation of the Philippines and will feature two main races – 300- and 500-meter. These divisions will be split into three categories: Men’s, Women’s and Mixed.
Among the teams competing are International Pink Sisters (USA), Dragons of North America, Filipino Dragons (Singapore), Sydney Fire Dragons, The Royal X-Team (Hong Kong), The Philippine Army Dragon Boat Team, Onslaught Racing Dragons, Triton Dragon Boat Racing Team, Manila Wave Club, Boracay All Stars, Boracay Bombshells, Boracay Guardians and Guardians of Bumshells.
Touted as the biggest water sports event in the country, the event is presented by the Department of Tourism (DoT) while the title-sponsor is American Tourister, an internationally-known American brand of suitcase which started as a small venture in 1993 in Rhode Island.
Partner Airlines are SEAir and Zestair while major sponsors are Boracay Regency, Boracay Beach Resort, Knot Just Weddings, Nami, Boracay Realty, Hawaiian Tropic, Standard Insurance, Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa, BFI, One White Beach, San Miguel Beer, Fairways and Bluewater, Pioneer Marine Epoxy, The Windsurfing Shop, Golden Bamboo by Tesoros, Schick and Wet Ones.
More than 3,000 spectators are expected to converge daily to watch the races as the rowers fiercely paddles for the gold in a spectacular show of teamwork, camaraderie, strength and power.
The event kicks off with the parade of teams and the opening ceremony with the traditional dotting of the eye of the dragon by the title sponsor and guests of honor, introduction of participating teams followed by cocktails and music. It will culminate with a night party on April 30.
Dragon boat racing started in China some 2,500 years ago and is considered one of the emerging sports in the world.
For more information about Boracay, including accommodations, tours, activities and loads of insider tips, contact your local whl.travel connection: Helen and the Go Discover team at www.boracay.travel
Boracay Daily 