Dragon Boat world meet set in Palawan

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s rising junior paddlers get the opportunity to shine as the Philippines hosts the 2024 ICF Dragon Boat World Championships in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan on Oct. 28 to Nov. 4.

Local enthusiasm is at an all-time high as Filipino paddlers prepare to make their mark on the international stage.

In the lead-up to the championships, 21 junior male paddlers and eight female paddlers are undergoing rigorous training at a camp organized by the Philippine Canoe Kayak Federation (PCKF) in Davao City.

PCKF president Leonora Escollante said the junior squad has expanded significantly, with additional paddlers recruited from across the Philippines, including Davao City, Iligan City, Zamboanga City, Samal Island, San Miguel, Leyte, Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Cebu City, Cagayan, Manila, and Calbayog City.

“The training has been intensive for over a month, and we are committed to ensuring our junior paddlers are competitive on the world stage,” Escollante said.

The junior team now boasts 38 male and 19 female paddlers, thanks to efforts from local leaders like Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, who supported the training camp with the help of Clarice Jane Calolot and Rey Sumagaysay.