KDBC

On Saturday March 6th, Dragon Boat Paddlers from the Gorge Rowing and Paddling Centre (GRPC) will be escorting the torch for the 2010 Paralympic Games Torch Relay from Laurel Point to the Legislature in the Inner Harbour.

The torch will be escorted by three dragon boat teams from GRPC – The Navy Dragon Anchors, MS Wildplay Warriors, and Paddlers of the Fifth Moon. The “Dragon Boat arm” of the relay is organized by the Navy Dragon Anchors / CFB Esquimalt and Vancouver Olympic Committee (VANOC) - GRPC is providing the use of the Dragon Boats.

The torchbearer, paddler Brian Gray, will get the flame at approximately 11:30am.  The Dragon Boats will escort the torchbearer from the Inn at Laurel to the docks in front of the Empress Hotel (southernmost finger).  From there, the torch is passed to the next torchbearer where it will goes Legislature.

All paddlers, rowers, and citizens are encouraged to come to Victoria’s Inner Harbour to watch and support this exciting event.

For more information on the 2010 Paralympic Games and Torch Relay, visit the Official 2010 Paralympic Games Website.

Follow the 2010 Paralympic Torch relay on Twitter at www.twitter.com/followtheflame.

Recently David asked us why we dragon boat. Read what Laurel wrote and ad you own reasons in the comments

  A post from Laurel D’Andrea
  the reason why people dragon boat: some may think it is for the fresh air and exercise, but in most cases that is not it at all. How many sports can you take a group of men, women or both of all shapes, sizes and levels of fitness and become this amazing team. Dragon boating does not discriminate young, old, seasoned or new it offers all those with the slightest bit of interest a chance to participate.

Why do dragon boaters stay: the answer is simple…family…it is a place where one can forget about life at home, at work and the stress around you and your focus is your team, your technique and what you contribute to the boat as a whole. For the time you are on the water, gearing up for a race or practicing the people in the boat are now your “family” and the experience is like no other. You laugh together, you cry together, you encourage, you empower and you experience what competition is all about.

The best way to encourage new people to get involved in dragon boating is to have them experience it first hand.

It can be a great team builder for corporations, for couples or for friends who would like to reconnect. As Ivan and Deb would say focus in the boat…if one person is out of focus then it’s up to the team to determine why and help them through it. That is what a team is about, helping your teammates when they need you most.

Peach City Dragon paddler Dale Brown was involved in a motor vehicle accident yesterday. It is with great sadness we have to let you know that she has passed away from her injuries. Our hearts go out to her husband, and fellow teammate Ken, her family and her teammates.

February 21st 2010 the Spirit team sets out to jump-start an amazing season for our Competitive racing team. There was a lot of shivering beforehand and I would like to hear how it was.
Spirit paddlers, please tell us about your experience!
Everyone else, please help us cheer them on! GO KDBC Spirit GO!!