A most gruelling and demanding sport

Amid a torrent of bad news came the uplifting news about the amazing feat of the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) team.

Their much-celebrated victory should serve—yet again—as an important reminder to our sports officials and the general public that there are other sports out there deserving of more attention and funding.

As a participant in an international dragon boat tournament six years ago, I am especially thrilled that a Filipino team triumphed in this most democratic sport where (1) height is of no great significance, and (2) we do not need to import foreign-based “Filipino” rowers to give our country a chance at winning the gold.

In 2005, I joined the Aqua Fortis Team for a tournament in Taiwan. On my first training day, I discovered painfully that rowing was not as easy as it looked. (I thought it was cool) Oh, I paid for joining the team in the form of severe arm and back pains that lasted for three days.

Rowing is such a gruelling sport. It demands high-level discipline, concentration, endurance, upper body strength and timing. In the repetitive but intensely vigorous act of rowing, one should guard himself against letting his mind wander even momentarily, lest his strokes go out of sync with those of other rowers’ movements. The precision required is such that even a split-second off-timing is unacceptable. I deeply admire and respect our sun-bronzed champions.

To the entire PDBF team, congratulations and thank you for bringing honor to the Philippines. I join your sea of supporters in wishing you more victories. Indeed, having passion for something despite obstacles delivers splendid results, sooner or later.

Keep on rowing!

—CLAUDE LUCAS C. DESPABILADERAS, [email protected]