The Manitoba School Dragon Boat Challenge, hosted by the Manitoba Paddling Association, is an exciting alternative to traditional school sports.
This year, NCI entered a middle years dragon boat team into the challenge, a first for all but five members. They travelled to Winnipeg for two practices held on the Red River. During their two practices, they learned the steersperson’s commands (“Paddles up,” “Take it away,” “Kill the boat,” and “Hold the boat”) and how to paddle in synch with each other.
Dragon boating is a very technical sport and paddling in synch is difficult, and much more important than just being big and strong. Each boat has 20 paddlers, a drummer, and a steersperson.
The NCI Panthers placed third in the middle years division. The kids were very happy with their achievement and say they are looking forward to participating again next year.
The Manitoba School Dragon Boat Challenge is an important fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society.
