PADDLERS from De La Salle University swept four categories of the small boat division last Saturday in 1st Triton-Philippine Collegiate League Dragon Boat Cup held at the Baywalk, Roxas Boulevard, Manila Bay.
The Green Paddlers first prevailed over the San Beda Rowing Society in the 500 meters Open, clocking four minutes and 20,34 seconds.
San Beda Dragon Boat Rowing Society finished behind in 4:59:62, followed by the Adamson Paddlers in 5:00:53.
La Salle also took the mixed 500, the Open 250 and the Mixed 250 honors also at the expense of San Beda.
The Dragon Boat Cup, organized by the PCL in partnership with the internationally seasoned Triton Dragon Boat Racing Team, featured the best collegiate dragon boat and regular teams in the country.
The event started off with a Taoist priest blessing the day by performing the eye-dotting ceremony on a dragon boat with Triton President Carol Salonga, PCL Organizer Geraldine Bernardo, International Dragon Boat Federation certified Technical Official Marcia Cristobal, and Philippine Dragon Boat Federation Vice President Aaron Garcia.
Other results:
Small Boat 250 meters (Women)- 1. Blue Phoenix at 1:21:70; 2. Rogue Pilipinas at 1:21:77; 3. Seahawks at 1:24:15;
Small Boat 250 meters (Open)- 1. Bruins at 1:05:97; 2. Seahawks A 1:06:34; 3. Rogue Pilipinas at 1:07:25
Small Boat 250 meters (Mixed)- 1. Seahawks B at 1:09:31; 2. Blue Phoenix at 1:09:89; 3. Rogue Pilipinas at 1:09:99.
Standard Boat 250 meters (Mixed)- 1. Bruins at 1:06:44; 2. Rogue Pilipinas at 1:06:84; 3. Seahawks at 1:07:14.
Water, eggs and bananas donated by the Triton members past and present were given away to the competing teams.
Food stalls from the likes of Kowloon House, Native Plate, and Pizza Hut, among others dotted the venue.
On the other hand, fun activities and side attractions were plenty, such as all-day music from up and coming bands.
There was the battle rope challenge by PACE x Freyo, Happy Bubbles, and merchandise booths for Grosby products and Krooberg footwear also kept the venue crawling with fans and spectators.
As part of their 8th year anniversary, which fell exactly on July 1, Triton had planned for this event to be able to give back to the sport that had brought the TRITONes together.
Part of the proceeds goes to their chosen charity of orphans and abused children.
Meanwhile, school spirit was in the air as teams chanted their respective cheers in the PCL collegiate team races.
There are already talks for a repeat event within the year for a more expansive collegiate tournament.
The event was in cooperation with Grosby and Brazilea.
Other sponsors include the City of Manila, MMP Awards Specialist, Krooberg, Solido Sports, CIGCI United Printing, Happy Bubbles, Pixel Pro, and PACE Magazine x Freyo.
Special thanks to the MMDA and Manila Tourism & Cultural Affairs Bureau, Philippine Red Cross, and Sun Life Financial Philippines. Other sponsors who provided in kind support are Spurway, Team Titans, and Suy Sing.
